We recently checked in with our readers and social media followers to find out which jazz records from the 1990s featured their favorite drumming performances. Here are some of the responses. Kenny Garrett’s album Songbook [1997] would be the one for me. This record has memorable original tunes by Garrett that introduced me to the powerhouse swing of Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums. The pocket Watts creates with bassist Nat Reeves throughout this album is as deep as groove can get. And what truly makes this my favorite is the rhythmic and melodic conversation between Tain’s drumming and the solos of Kenny Garrett and pianist Kenny Kirkland. It’s the first time I heard a band convey fire on record. Mike Walsh I Can See Your House from Here [1994] by Pat Metheny and John Scofield with Bill Stewart is one of my favorite jazz recordings. I can’t get enough of […]

June 2019 Issue