Charlie Watts Anthology 2LP

TAS Rated 3.5/5 Music, 4/5 Sonics in the September 2023 Issue of The Absolute Sound!

Charlie Watts "Anthology" is an affectionate retrospective and a reflection of just how frequently Watts was able to exercise his jazz muscles between Rolling Stones commitments to create a bespoke discography of his own. Including 3 unreleased tracks. The names of Charlie's jazz heroes fell from his lips like a superfan turning the pages of a personal scrapbook. Charlie Parker, Gerry Mulligan, Chico Hamilton, Dave Green, Stan Tracey, Peter King, Courtney Pine, Gail Thompson, Brian Lemon, Gerard Presencer, the Red Rodney group and collaborator Jim Keltner. He knew every player, every session, every album, every outfit they wore on the cover, and he spoke about them with a deep and genuine reverence. He may have been a globally loved hero in the biggest band in the word, but he swatted away any compliment or comparison with his musical favourites. He counted himself their admirer, never their equal. The Anthology includes an extended essay by Paul Sexton which documents Charlie Watt's jazz career and the essential albums covered in the collection.

This 2-LP retrospective, which finds him leading various configurations in studio and concert settings, showcases his love of jazz from straight-ahead swingers like 'Stompin' at the Savoy' and 'Flying Home' to bebop anthems like 'Relaxin' at Camarillo' and 'Cool Blue'... Watts' 2000 studio collaboration with fellow drummer Jim Keltner carries a more rock-tinged / world music feel while the live tracks from a 2004 gig at Ronnie Scott's swing with abandon and feature scorching solos from his tentet.