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Bobby Watson: Quiet As It's Kept

By C. Michael Bailey
November 1, 1999
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Bobby Watson has recorded on and off for RED Records since the mid-1980s. His RED releases, all critically acclaimed, comprise an impressive collection had he never recorded another note. His other RED recordings include Round Trip, Appointment in Milano, Love Remains, This Little Light of Mine, and now Quiet As It’s Kept. All are uniformly fine and daring, just like the saxophonist himself. > Ballads with a Latin Fragrance. Recorded in New York by guitarist Lenny Argese in August of 1998, Quiet As It’s Kept is universally a ballad collection with a Latin nose. Joined by a host of studio veterans, Watson expertly brews a beautifully soft and thoughtful compilation of originals and not-so-standard standards. Watson’s tone is simply perfect as are his arrangements and compositions. Watson’s support provides a plush and delicate base supporting his effortless, masculine performances. I typically offer disc highlights, but this collection, taken as a whole deserves the listener’s total attention. This recording has no weakness. Totally transparent Music that is roundly recommended.

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Track Listing

Looking Into Your Eyes; Always a Friend; Afternoon in Ottobrun; Just Bobby Watson: Alto and Soprano Saxophones, Terell Stafford: Trumpet; Orrin Evans: Piano; Lenny Argese: Guitar; Curtis Lundy: Bass; Ralph Peterson: Drums; Marlon Simon: Percussion; Pamela Watson: Vocals.

Personnel

Bobby Watson

saxophone, alto

Bobby Watson: alto and soprano saxophones, Terell Stafford: trumpet; Orrin Evans: piano; Lenny Argese: guitar; Curtis Lundy: bass; Ralph Peterson: drums; Marlon Simon: percussion; Pamela Watson: vocals.

Album information

Title: Quiet As It's Kept | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Red Records

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