Jeff "Tain" Watts Citizen Tain CD

The powerful Jeff "Tain" Watts is unleashed on CITIZEN TAIN, an uncompromisingly solid effort by the legendary jazz drummer. Long the sideman for high-profile artists with names like Marsalis, Garrett or Kirkland, here Watts offers his own point of view with bold ventures that prove him an enterprising leader. In his company are none other than the previously mentioned former employers--Branford, Wynton and Delfeayo Marsalis all make hefty contributions, as does saxophonist Kenny Garret and the late pianist Kenny Kirkland.

Watts' assertive, driving torrents propel the exciting opener "The Impaler" with relentless fire. The dynamic "Attainment" opens with a free drum solo that captures Watts at his expressive best. Kirkland is featured prominently throughout, especially on two trio cuts, the intricate swinger "Muphkin Man" and the graceful "Pools Of Amber." Watts' centerpiece is the two-part "Destruction And Rebirth Suite," which opens with gripping percussion followed by a flowing part featuring Branford Marsalis's exquisite soprano saxophone. The grand finale is "Blutain's Big Adventure," a glorious swinging enterprise that features the entire cast in one big blowout.

Recorded at Systems Two, Brooklyn, New York from June 1-3, 1998 and at the Tarrytown Music Hall, Tarrytown, New York on August 12, 1998. Includes liner notes by Jeff "Tain" Watts.

Personnel: Jeff "Tain" Watts (vibraphone, drums, percussion); Roderick Ward, Rob Hunter (vocals); Branford Marsalis (soprano & tenor saxophones); Kenny Garrett (alto saxophone); Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Delfeayo Marsalis (trombone); Kenny Kirkland (piano); Reginald Veal, Eric Revis (bass).

Entertainment Weekly (8/20-27/99, p.129) - "...a set that manages to be mainstream with liberating twists....TAIN still possesses heat, nuance, maturity, and a bounty of ideas." - Rating: B+
CMJ (1/10/00, p.24) - Included in CMJ's "Jazz '99 Top 5" - "...a monster of a straight-ahead jazz recording....Watts swings hard and finds unexplored places deep in the heart of the jazz tradition."