Two-time Grammy Award Winner Ernie Watts joins your Charleston Jazz Orchestra for a tribute to the Saxophone Legends of Jazz
SAXOPHONE LEGENDS: Ernie Watts plays John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and more!
SATURDAY, October 19, 2019 | 5PM AND 8PM | CHARLESTON MUSIC HALL
CHARLESTON, SC – The saxophone is arguably the most recognizable symbol and sound in jazz. It can wail and scream with passion, as well as whisper softly your favorite melody. Saxophonist Ernie Watts joins the CJO to play the music of some of the most beloved Saxophone Legends of our time. A two-time Grammy Award winner and long-time member of the Tonight Show Orchestra, Ernie has been featured on more than 500 recordings, to include projects by Pat Metheny, Herbie Hancock, and the Rolling Stones. Tickets are on sale now at www.charlestonjazz.com. Or call the Charleston Jazz box office at 843-641-0011. Ticket prices range from $25 – $60. Senior rates for 65 and older. $10 for students and children.
“Ernie Watts is one of the world’s greatest modern saxophonists. His amazing tone and astonishing technique have entertained audiences and inspired saxophonists for over 40 years. I personally was so influenced by him that my college jazz band director started calling me Little Ernie! It is incredible to me that I will get to share the stage with one of my heroes. I can’t wait!
-Robert Lewis, CJO Music Director
The song list includes:
American Gothic – Composed by Bob Berg, Arranged by Mike Crotty
Bird’s Idea – Composed by Ernie Watts, Arranged by Manfred Honetschläger
Both Sides of the Coin – Composed by Michael Brecker, Arranged by Mike Barone
For Michael – Composed by Ernie Watts and Bob Leatherbarrew, Arranged by Michael Abene
Grand Central – Composed by John Coltrane, Arranged by Mike Barone
Moment’s Notice – Composed by John Coltrane, Arranged by Robert Lewis
Naima – Composed by John Coltrane, Arranged by Manny Mendelson
To the Point – Composed by Ernie Watts and David Witham, Arranged by Michael Abene
Wabash – Composed by Cannonball Adderley, Arranged by Mike Barone
Correlated Programs:
JAZZ NOTES: Let’s talk Saxophone Legends
THURSDAY, October 17, 2019 | 6PM | CHARLESTON JAZZ ACADEMY
Join us for JAZZ NOTES and learn about Jazz Saxophone Legends! David Carter, Director of Education, will present an informative talk about some of the most beloved saxophone legends or our time in preparation for the Charleston Jazz Orchestra’s performance of Saxophone Legends: Ernie Watts plays John Coltrane, Charlie Parker & more! On Saturday, October 19, 2019.
“We are excited to present our new Jazz Notes Series! This series is intended to provide insight and background about the artists and their music presented by our Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Regardless of age or musical experience, we hope you will join us for a fun time of listening and learning!” -David Carter, Director of Education and Outreach
Event to be held on Thursday, October 17, 2019 at 6pm at the Charleston Jazz Academy, 3005 West Montague Avenue, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29418. This is a FREE EVENT. Limited seating available. Secure your seat at www.charlestonjazz.com. Or call the Charleston Jazz box office at 843-641-0011.
Ernie Watts presents “A Melodic Approach to Improvisation”
FRIDAY, October 18, 2019 | 12:30PM | Simons Center for the Arts – Simons Recital Hall
Charleston Jazz, the College of Charleston and Keilwerth Saxophones are excited to present a FREE WORKSHOP with Ernie Watts, special guest for the upcoming Charleston Jazz Orchestra performance SAXOPHONE LEGENDS. Topics to include: daily warmup exercises, how chords and scales relate to musical structure, and melodic improvisation. Joining Ernie Watts will be Frank Duvall on bass, Gerald Gregory on piano and Ron Wiltrout on drums. The workshop will be held on Friday, October 18, 2019 at 12:30pm at the Simons Center for the Arts Recital Hall, 54 St. Philip Street, Charleston, SC 29401.
About the Charleston Jazz Orchestra:
Under the direction of Robert Lewis, has been performing for audiences in the Lowcountry for over 10 years. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra is comprised of 18 accomplished jazz musicians and is an entertaining and educational example of the rich history of jazz in Charleston. The Charleston Jazz Orchestra offers a six concert subscription series known for its unique, enthusiastically received performances that contribute mightily to the ever-evolving Lowcountry arts scene.
About Charleston Jazz:
Charleston Jazz is a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote musical awareness and education including the recognition and preservation of the history of jazz in the Lowcountry through performances, special events, and educational outreach. Established in 2008 as Jazz Artists of Charleston, the organization has earned a reputation for presenting, producing, and advocating for all things jazz and the artists who bring this music to life in dynamic ways. The organization manages the Charleston Jazz Orchestra, the Charleston Jazz Festival, and the Charleston Jazz Academy.
For more information and to schedule an interview, media appearance, or for hi-resolution images, contact Brittany Burkett at brittany@charlestonjazz.com.
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