| Jazz |
After four albums and numerous collaborations (Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews, Dianne Schuur, José Feliciano, Willie Nelson, Arturo Sandoval, Dianne Reeves, Warren Haynes, Trombone Shorty, Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, The Temptations, and The O’Jays), as well as his work with Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, three Grammy nominations, and his role in the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, alongside co-founding the Keystone Jazz Collective and Steeltown Horns, trombonist Reggie Watkins now unveils Rivers; an album as vibrant as it is compelling. From the very first notes, Rivers asserts itself with singular artistry, uncompromising compositions and arrangements, and a profound connection to the jazz legacy of Pittsburgh—a city that shaped the sound of Art Blakey, Billy Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams, Ahmad Jamal, and many more. For over two decades, Watkins has carried this lineage forward, collaborating with jazz greats such as Orrin Evans, Roger Humphries, and Maynard Ferguson.
But Rivers is not merely an homage; it is a bold step forward, breathing new life into jazz by drawing from the city’s very essence. Recorded in Pittsburgh with a tightly knit, intergenerational quartet, the album is a journey through time, place, and experience. Watkins’ compositions reflect his deep roots in the Steel City, his relentless work during the pandemic, and his dedication to keeping jazz alive in the town that shaped him. His vision is unmistakable; Rivers sets a new tone, balancing jazz tradition with a forward-thinking, innovative approach. It is a difficult exercise, yet one that will captivate jazz lovers eager for the genre’s evolution and the artistic explorations of today’s musicians. This is not music dictated by industry trends but an honest, heartfelt jazz.
Time and again, the press has recognized his artistry:
“Reggie Watkins manages to improvise with originality and creativity, avoiding clichés and predictable phrases, developing an entirely distinctive trombone style.”–Hot House Magazine
“A modern jazz for open minds—Watkins’ goal is to propel the future of jazz forward…”–Midwest Record
Originality, creativity, open-mindedness; Watkins challenges and inspires, prompting reflection both musically and intellectually. His music nourishes the soul, drawing from a wealth of diverse experiences. It is, unmistakably, an urban jazz, crafted for grand stages, where his masterful arrangements conjure those electrifying moments that define major festivals; the kind where audiences erupt in cheers and whistles of approval, punctuated by resounding applause.
Beyond leading his own ensembles and performing his original music, Watkins remains an essential figure in contemporary jazz. A core member of Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, and a co-founder of the Keystone Jazz Collective and Steeltown Horns, his artistry is no accident. Reggie Watkins is a musician of great significance—one to follow closely, for his music is among the most exciting of our time.
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent for Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief – Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, April 3rd 2025
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Musicians:
Reggie Watkins – Trombone
Michael Bernabe – Piano
Eli Naragon – Bass
Jason Washington Jr. – Drums