Description
Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band – Recorded Live At The Danish Concert Hall, Copenhagen 2010 – Double Vinyl Record
“Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band – Recorded Live at the Danish Concert Hall, Copenhagen 2010” is a remarkable live jazz album that captures legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts in a unique collaboration with the Danish Radio Big Band. Released as a double vinyl record, this project is a significant departure from Watts’ role as the rock-solid backbone of one of the world’s most famous rock bands, showcasing his love for jazz and his versatility as a musician beyond his iconic rock drumming.
This album is the result of a special performance that took place on March 4, 2010, at the Danish Concert Hall in Copenhagen, where Charlie Watts, known for his deep passion for jazz, joined forces with the world-renowned Danish Radio Big Band. The collaboration came after several years of Watts exploring jazz and big-band music in various forms, and the performance reflects his deep respect for the genre. Watts, whose musical influences spanned far beyond rock ‘n’ roll, took the opportunity to step out from behind the drums and lead an incredible ensemble of jazz musicians in a performance that combined his love for jazz with his unique rhythmic sensibility.
For many, the idea of a rock drummer taking center stage in a jazz performance might seem unusual, but Watts’ jazz credentials were well established by this point in his career. Having already recorded jazz albums and performed with various big bands, this concert was a culmination of his lifelong admiration for the genre. The performance here is not just a novelty; it’s a demonstration of Watts’ musical depth and his ability to seamlessly blend his rock influences with the more improvisational, intricate world of jazz.
The album features a carefully chosen setlist that highlights both Watts’ rhythmic prowess and the outstanding abilities of the Danish Radio Big Band. The band’s arrangement is tight, yet flexible enough to allow for the kind of spontaneous jazz improvisation that is a hallmark of the genre. Throughout the album, Watts demonstrates an intimate knowledge of jazz rhythms and patterns, using his rock background to introduce a groove-based foundation while allowing the big band to shine in moments of improvisation and ensemble play.
Some notable tracks include:
“The Last Time” (Jazz Version) – A jazz reinterpretation of the classic Rolling Stones song. Watts’ solid and tasteful drumming keeps the rhythm intact while the big band jazz arrangement takes the song into a new, sophisticated direction.
“Satisfaction” (Jazz Version) – Like “The Last Time,” this track offers a new take on a famous Stones anthem. The rhythm section, led by Watts’ subtle yet swinging drumming, takes a familiar song and transforms it into a jazzy big band experience, with lots of room for brass and wind instrument solos.
“Chico’s” – A jazz standard that showcases Watts’ ability to switch gears from rock-solid rhythm to a more free-flowing, jazz-driven style. His interaction with the band on this track is masterful and shows his deep understanding of the genre.
“What’s New” – A classic ballad featuring delicate brushwork by Watts and a beautiful arrangement by the Danish Radio Big Band, which lets the horns shine while Watts provides a steady backdrop of sophisticated, restrained drumming.
“Autumn Leaves” – A staple in the jazz world, with a gorgeous interpretation of this melancholic standard. Watts, alongside the band, creates a delicate mood, allowing the piece to breathe.
The album was released as a double vinyl edition, which is perfect for audiophiles who want to experience the depth and richness of the big band sound. The vinyl format provides a warm, tactile experience that’s well-suited to the jazz genre, especially when listening to such an exceptional band like the Danish Radio Big Band. The analog sound quality enhances the subtleties of both the performance and the arrangement, making it ideal for fans who appreciate the depth and texture that vinyl brings to live recordings.
The limited edition release of the album also included a deluxe packaging that features photos from the performance and insightful liner notes about the collaboration between Watts and the Danish Radio Big Band. This makes the vinyl not just a musical release, but also a collector’s item for fans of jazz, the Rolling Stones, and Charlie Watts himself.
This album was met with critical praise, particularly for Charlie Watts’ seamless integration into the jazz world. Critics were impressed with how comfortably Watts shifted gears from rock to jazz without losing his rhythmic identity. Instead of trying to dominate the spotlight, Watts let the big band shine, playing a more supportive yet still vital role, showing his maturity as a musician.
For Rolling Stones fans, this album offers an intriguing and unexpected side of Watts, revealing his passion for jazz and his capacity to explore new musical territories. And for jazz enthusiasts, it’s a unique collaboration, blending rock rhythms with the intricate, complex world of big band jazz.
“Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band” is not just a live album; it’s a testament to the musical versatility of one of rock’s greatest drummers. It offers a unique opportunity to hear Charlie Watts’ mastery of jazz drumming, and it’s a fitting tribute to his legacy as a musician willing to step outside the boundaries of rock and explore other genres. Whether you’re a fan of The Rolling Stones, a jazz enthusiast, or simply appreciate musical exploration, this live recording provides an exceptional listening experience that highlights the versatility and depth of Charlie Watts as a performer.
Recorded live at the Danish Radio Concert Hall, Copenhagen, 2010.
Charlie Watts meets the Danish Radio Big Band was instigated in 2009 by English trumpeter Gerard Presencer, who is also a member of the band. The Band had four days of rehearsals and then had a performance at the then newly opened Danish Radio Concert Hall in Copenhagen. All but two of the pieces here are rewrites of earlier, previously recorded selections either with the Rolling Stones or a selection of suits from his duet record with another drumming legend Jim Keltner. This record doesn’t break any new ground. The emphasis is more on moods, harmonies and at moments the arrangements do nod at Gil Evans’ or Mingus’ styled approaches.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Elvin Suite Part. 1
Elvin Suite Part. 2
(Satis) Faction
I Should Care
You Can’t Always Get What You Want
Paint It Black
Molasses
