Arms drawn up short like Joe Louis, ready to deal up dynamite from six inches or less with either hand, Jeff Watts stalks the groove, poised to pounce between the cracks of space and time with panther-like displacements: one second clawing, one moment pawing the beat. Rhyme, reason and guile, not defined by one style, inform the swing of Jeff Watts. Droll, collected and resourceful, Jeff Watts has held the drum chair since Day til in the most publicized, precocious, and promising young jazz band of our day—The Wynton Marsalis Quintet. Along with tenorist Branford Marsalis, pianist Kenny Kirkland, and bassist Charnett Moffett, Jeff Watts rounds out what is shaping up as a most distinctive—even innovative—improvising ensemble, and he is uniquely gifted to deal with the Quintet’s lush creative opportunities. Having come through the classical and concert tradition as a percussionist, timpanist, and mallet player, Jeff Watts brought a different […]

September 1985 Issue