Album Notes

Lee Waterman - Guitarist, Composer, Producer
Lee is originally from New York, where his early interest in music was nurtured by his grandmother, a locally prominent classical pianist. At the age of nine he studied drums and later played in the school band. In his late teens, Lee took up guitar and Latin percussion. For the next several years he studied jazz guitar and music theory with internationally known guitarist and author, Warren Nunes. This strong foundation in the classic jazz styles plus the multicultural influences of percussion studies forged his eclectic compositional style. Among his credits, Lee has led several Bay-Area based combos throughout the last two decades, has performed with sax great John Handy, Vocalist Mark Murphy, and Narada Michael Walden and opened for Tito Puente and Pancho Sanchez.
The tunes on this recording reflect the strong Afro-Cuban and Brazilian influences in the group’s music. All the band members are terrific ensemble players and brilliant soloists and have all appeared with headliners.


Lee Waterman founded Jazz Caliente in 1989 as a vehicle for his original compositions and his own arrangements of songs by the great Jazz and Latin masters, including Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Tito Puente, and Sergio Mendes.

Jazz Caliente has received considerable air play, both nationally and in Northern California. Jazz Steps San Francisco Magazine called their previous CD one of the best Bay-Area jazz releases. Here are some more comments from the media:

“Lee has a personable style that exudes the warmth of Wes Montgomery. He skillfully creates melodic statements that dart in and out of a variety of rhythmic contexts. His obvious affinity for Afro-Cuban and Brazilian rhythms brings a refreshing point of view to his Jazz-based music. “
JESSE CHUY VARELA
Music Director - KCSM JAZZ 91

"... very tight band, ...excellent original compositions... Good stuff ” DICK CONTI - KCSM & KKSF "

“He's a fine guitarist. I'll be keeping my eye out and following his career." - LEE UNDERWOOD - Nationally Syndicated Music Critic