People & Places

Tenor saxophonist Ernie Watts has always had the rare ability to sound soulful even during his most adventurous solos. Now 81 (as of Oct. 23), he gained early recognition for his playing with the Buddy Rich Big Band in the late '60s. A versatile studio musician for decades, he appeared on numerous recordings (including with Marvin Gaye), toured with the Rolling Stones in 1981, and had a hit with "Chariots of Fire" in 1982. However, since the mid '80s, Watts has mostly played jazz exclusively, including a lengthy stint with Charlie Haden's Quartet West and a series of his own sessions. He also remains very much in demand as a sideman.

Pianist-keyboardist Marc Seales' People & Places is a quartet set with Watts and the tastefully supportive team of Bruce Lett (bass) and Moyes Lucas Jr. (drums). The material is mostly the leader's originals, filled with infectious but offbeat melodies, catchy if unpredictable rhythmic patterns and original chord changes—a perfect fit for Watts' playing. Among the more memorable performances are a celebratory version of Wayne Shorter's "Palladium", Seales' sensitive solo piano on the ballad "Prelude" leading right into "For You My Dear", its melody caressed by Watts, and a spirited "The Muddy Chicago Blues". The nostalgic groove piece "Home Light" (co-written by Seales and Watts) serves as a perfect wrap-up for what is a fine release.