Trombonist and composer Reggie Watkins pays homage to his adopted hometown of Pittsburgh while embracing a world of musical influences on his forthcoming album Rivers. The album—his fourth as a leader and his first consisting entirely of original compositions—flows through the cultural and creative landscapes that have shaped him, from the confluence of Pittsburgh’s iconic three rivers to the boundless energy of global jazz traditions.
Backed by an exceptional local rhythm section featuring pianist Michael Bernabe, bassist Eli Naragon, and drummer Jason Washington Jr., Watkins captures the dynamic pulse of the Steel City’s thriving jazz scene while expanding beyond its borders. The title Rivers naturally nods to Pittsburgh’s geography—the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio that define its skyline—but also pays tribute to avant-garde legend Sam Rivers, whose spirit of exploration courses through the album’s veins.
Throughout Rivers, Watkins crafts a deeply personal musical journey. The bold opener “Blues for 3-D” honors trombone greats David Gibson, Andre Hayward, and Steve Davis. “Ocularity” channels Ornette Coleman and Don Cherry through a playful, angular lens, while “Blue 6” evokes both Thelonious Monk and Jimmy Knepper, one of Watkins’s enduring inspirations. The album’s closing track, “Shanghai Strut,” celebrates the trombonist’s global travels, blending rhythmic vitality with cross-cultural flair.
Yet at its core, Rivers is grounded in Pittsburgh—its people, its musical heritage, and its sense of home. “Hide n Seek” joyfully reflects Watkins’s love for his children, while “Meditations” drifts with the serenity and depth of the rivers that define his city. “I’ve always had this connection to Pittsburgh and its jazz scene,” says Watkins. “Musicians are coming here from places like Akron and Cleveland, and it’s creating a powerful exchange of ideas and energy.”
Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, Watkins’s path to jazz began with a teenage fascination for brass instruments before finding his voice on trombone. After studying at West Virginia University and discovering J.J. Johnson, he immersed himself in the art form. His professional journey has spanned collaborations with Maynard Ferguson (with whom he served as musical director), pop star Jason Mraz, and jazz luminary Orrin Evans’s Captain Black Big Band. Watkins’s diverse resume also includes work with funk collective Steeltown Horns and his acclaimed tribute project Avid Admirer: The Jimmy Knepper Project.
With Rivers, Watkins brings all of these experiences together into a cohesive statement—a reflection of his artistry, his city, and the global jazz continuum he inhabits. It’s a record that moves with both confidence and curiosity, tracing the flow of musical lineage while carving its own path forward.
No comments:
Post a Comment