Home Light
Flying Dolphin, 2018
8/10
A jazz and blues saxophonist who’s been active since the ‘60s, Ernie Watts brings along Christof Saenger, Rudi Engel and Heinrich Koebberling for 9 well fleshed out jazz tunes on Home Light.
“I Forgot August” starts the listen with plucked bass before moving swiftly into the piano and saxophone dynamics that highlight the flowing jazz atmosphere, and “Cafe Central 2am” continues the lively setting with spirited and warm sax work as keys from Saenger dance around the sublime delivery.
Elsewhere, “Frequie Flyiers” recruits just the brass acrobatics from Watts initially before proficient drumming from Koebberling enters the bop filled fun, while “Horizon” moves cautiously and romantically with an emotive mood in the ballad.
Watts exits the listen with a couple of the best selections, including the playful and quick pulse of “Joe”, where all the instruments shine bright and illustrate divine interplay, and the title track finishes out the affair with 8 minutes of strategic texturing amid timeless qualities.
It’s no surprise that Watts has been the recipient of two Grammy awards, as his tenor sax prowess is certainly unparalleled here. Now in his 70’s, the legend shows no signs of slowing down, as he performs flawlessly on Home Light.
Travels well with: The Tnek Jazz Quintet- Plays The Music Of Sam Jones; Four- There You Go Thinking Again