Beatitudes (album) explained

Beatitudes
Type:album
Cover:Watson_Lundy_Beatitudes.jpg
Released:1983
Recorded:April 11, 1983
Studio:Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Genre:Jazz
Length:59:20
Label:New Note
KM 11867
Producer:Bobby Watson, Curtis Lundy
Chronology:Bobby Watson
Prev Title:All Because Of You
Prev Year:1979
Next Title:Advance
Next Year:1985

Beatitudes is an album by saxophonist and composer Bobby Watson and double bassist Curtis Lundy. It was recorded on April 11, 1983, at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and was released on vinyl later that year by New Note Records. In 1997, the album was reissued on CD by Evidence Music. On the album, which features five Watson originals, a Lundy composition, and Gigi Gryce's "Minority", Watson and Lundy are joined by pianist Mulgrew Miller and drummer Kenny Washington.[1] [2] [3]

Reception

In a review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow wrote: "Watson already had a distinctive sound at this early stage and his solos in the advanced hard bop setting are enthusiastic and fairly original."

Sid Gribetz of JazzTimes stated: "The music here is crackling and sharp... Watson plays with a deep strong tone and an attack full of verve and bite... Lundy was at that time already a long-term associate of Watson's, and their empathy is evident on the recording... the songs are more than just tunes to blow on-they are lyrical and coherent, lending to fine playing that remains memorable."[4]

Track listing

  1. "To See Her Face" (Bobby Watson) – 5:55
  2. "Karita" (Bobby Watson) – 6:25
  3. "Jewel" (Bobby Watson) – 6:03
  4. "E.T.A." (Bobby Watson) – 3:31
  5. "Minority" (Gigi Gryce) – 3:46
  6. "Orange Blossom" (Curtis Lundy) – 8:00
  7. "Beatitudes" (Bobby Watson) – 8:22
Additional tracks on CD reissue:
  1. "On the One" (Bobby Watson) – 4:19
  2. "Karita (alternate take)" (Bobby Watson) – 7:26
  3. "To See Her Face (alternate take)" (Bobby Watson) – 5:28

Personnel

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bobby Watson: Beatitudes . Scott . Yanow . AllMusic . July 20, 2023.
  2. Web site: Robert Watson and Curtis Lundy - Beatitudes . Jazz Music Archives . July 20, 2023.
  3. Web site: Curtis Lundy Leader Entry . Michael . Fitzgerald . JazzDiscography . July 20, 2023.
  4. Web site: Bobby Watson and Curtis Lundry: Beatitudes . Sid . Gribetz . June 1, 1997 . JazzTimes . July 20, 2023.