The most visible and exciting drummer of his generation, Jeff “Tain" Watts burst into the jazz spotlight in the early '80s as a member of Wynton Marsalis' first quintet and into the general public's eye in the role of Rhythm Jones in Spike Lee's film Mo' Better Blues (1990) and as a member of The Tonight Show band led by Branford Marsalis, in whose quartet he's drummed for over 25 years. Since leaving the world of television and returning to New York, Watts has been a very active member of the city's music scene, both as a highly regarded sideman and, increasingly, as the leader of his own trailblazing groups.
AAJ contributor Russ Musto recently spoke with Watts about working with Branford Marsalis, the compositional process and the challenges of independent recording.
Check out Jeff “Tain" Watts: The Tain Self-Test at AAJ today!
For more information contact All About Jazz.
