Search - Bill Watrous :: Manhattan Wildlife Refuge

Long-awaited classic

James A. Vedda | Alexandria, VA USA | 09/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bill Watrous was a sought-after jazz soloist and sideman long before this 1974 album, but this is the recording that catapulted him to stardom on a par with trombone greats like Urbie Green and Frank Rosolino. At a time when many other top big bands (Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson, and Woody Herman, to name a few) were inserting arrangements of pop tunes into their books in an attempt to broaden their appeal, Watrous resisted this approach and chose material that still sounds fresh today.

The album offers great arrangements from the smooth and mellow ("Sho" and "Dee Dee") to the energetic ("Zip City," "Ayo," and the opening track, Chick Corea's "Spain,") as well as showpieces that offer some of both ("Dichotomy" and "Fourth Floor Walk-Up"). Watrous is brilliant throughout, so it would be difficult to choose a favorite among his solos in this collection. However, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the dazzling trombone cadenza in "Fourth Floor Walk-Up" which was imitated (but never duplicated) by vast numbers of high school and college trombonists in the mid-1970s who hadn't previously realized that their instrument was capable of such musical gymnastics.

Other soloists shine here as well, with lead trumpeter Danny Stiles in particular getting plenty of room to stretch. Overall, a very satisfying album for those who enjoy big band jazz and a must for fans of the trombone."

Great Watrous Big Band

Pat Nava | San Francisco, CA | 04/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Finally out with some of my favorites from this band: "Spain" with Ed Xiques great soprano solo. "Dichotomy": Danny Stiles 1st Class trumpet, Watrous, and climaxed with tenor solo from Frank Perowsky. "Ayo" with Danny Stiles again on trumpet, Dick Hyman on synthesizer and Ed Soph on drums. Cool "Fourth Floor Walkup" (saw Bill play this tune with our local junior college jazz band in 1976-have the full recording of entire concert). I rate this better than the second album "Tiger Of San Pedro.""

A jazz classic

R. A. Ash | Wisconsin | 01/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When I was a young trombone player in Junior High and High School and needed inspiration, I would borrow my brother's copy of this album. Now, 25 to 30 years later, it still inspires. Watrous' cadenza in "Fourth Floor Walk-Up" is as amazing as the first time I heard it. And what a band! They can really cook. Their cover of Chick Corea's "Spain" is fantastic and sets the perfect tone for the CD. From the first notes, you know you're in for a treat. If you're a fan of Jazz Orchestras (I don't use the Big Band label as it always makes me think of '40s dance music) or trombone jazz, you need to have this CD in your collection."