Album Notes

May 2003
Tenn Jazz & Blues Society Inc.
Nashville ,TN
Waldo Weathers
Live In Barcelona
With The Christian Hastings Band
Independent www.waldoweathers.com

Saxophonist Waldo Weathers has never cared about idiomatic
Restrictions or categories . An outstanding soloist equally influenced by the country honking of Boots Randolph and expressive singing of James Brown, Weathers has crafted his own direction and followed a muse that's seen him back acts ranging from Charlie Pride to Johnny Taylor and James Brown. Therefore , it's no surprise that this live set, despite being predominantly energetic R&B and soul covers, also includes elements of bop , funk and blues. Weathers elevates an otherwise routine arrangement on "Let's Talk About Love" with a gripping, powerful solo that nicely builds to a dramatic conclusion. He's even more impressive on a rendition of 'GEORGIA On My Mine", jump-starting the arrangement with a buoyant opening solo, then moving into a soulful, credible lead vocal .Weathers is a surprisingly good singer, frequently displaying extensive range, depth and narrative skills while hooking the audience through sterling renditions of the Temptations' "Shaky Ground" and covers of James Brown smashes "Cold Sweat" and "Sex Machine". He's capably backed by the Christian Hastings Band, but Weathers quickly emerges as the date's premier performer, dominating through confident, aggressive performances and a charming, charismatic on-stage personality. The Hastings Band is a solidly perfessional unit that gives Weathers good assistance on "I Got The Feeling", "Give It Up, TurnIt Loose (another famous Brown hit)," and the Chaka Khan & Rufus smash " Ain't Nobody." This is a definite party / dance record that puts more emphasis on audience interaction and performer enjoyment than musical experimentation. Still, Waldo Weathers displays during his solos and in his vocals just as much instrumental mastery and performance magic as any hard bop or outside artist. By: Ron Wynn

www.stonewallmusic.com/artists/waldo.htm