Doug Watkins – Watkins at Large: Blue Note Tone Poet (180g Mono Vinyl LP)

All-Analog 180g Mono Vinyl LP of Doug Watkins’ Watkins at Large. Mastered From the Original Master Tapes by Kevin Gray & Pressed at RTI: Reference-Caliber Blue Note Reissue Helmed by Music Matters’ Joe Harley.

Recorded in 1956 for producer Tom Wilson’s short-lived Boston-based label Transition Records, Watkins At Large was the first of only two albums that the great bassist Doug Watkins would make as a leader. The Detroit native had moved to New York and begun to garner recognition for his contributions to the Art Blakey-Horace Silver co-led iteration of the Jazz Messengers as well as Bud Powell’s trio when Wilson decided to give him the opportunity to front his own recording date. Along with a first-rate ensemble featuring trumpeter Donald Byrd, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, guitarist Kenny Burrell, pianist Duke Jordan, and drummer Art Taylor, Watkins swings through a stellar set of blues, ballads, and more including originals written by Jordan, Burrell, and Thad Jones.

Musicians:
Donald Byrd – Trumpet
Doug Watkins – Bass
Hank Mobley – Tenor Saxophone
Kenny Burrell – Guitar
Duke Jordan – Piano
Art Taylor – Drums

Side A:

1. Return To Paradise
2. Phinupi

Side B:

1. Phil T. McNasty’s Blues
2. More Of The Same
3. Panonica