Andrew Watts

Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band is a pioneering American soul and funk band. Formed in the early 1960s, they had the most visibility from 1967 to 1973 when the band had 9 singles reach Billboard's pop and/or rhythm and blues charts, such as "Do Your Thing" (#11 Pop, #12 R&B), "Till You Get Enough" (#12 R&B, #67 Pop), and "Love Land" (R&B #23, Pop #16). They are best known for their biggest hit on Warner Bros. Records, 1970's "Express Yourself" (#3 R&B, #12 Pop), a song that has been sampled by rap group N.W.A and others. The original line-up comprised of bandleader Charles Wright (vocals, guitar, piano), Al McKay (guitar), Gabe Flemings (piano, trumpet), Melvin Dunlap (bass), James Gadson (drums), John Rayford and Bill Cannon (both sax), and Ray Jackson (trombone). McKay left in 1969 to join Earth, Wind & Fire and was replaced by Benorce Blackmon.

In 1739 William Boyce (1711-1779) composed his 'Ode for St. Cecelia's Day' to a text by his friend, the amateur poet, John Lockman. In writing this ode Boyce followed in the footsteps of his two chief teachers, Maurice Greene and Johann Pepusch who also wrote music in St. Cecelia's honor. However, his music is more reminiscent of Handel which is not surprising, since while the much younger Boyce was becoming prominent in London's lively music scene, Handel was the most celebrated composer of the time anywhere.

This Qwest project was a typical crossover project for Ernie Watts, who recorded a series of commercial sets for Elektra and Qwest. The rhythms are danceable; Watts displays attractive tones on tenor, alto, and soprano; the supporting cast includes top L.A. studio musicians (who were used to sounding anonymous and playing funk clichés); Don Grusin contributes keyboards and electronic rhythms; among the many vocalists are Larry Williams and Phil Perry; and guitarist Lee Ritenour pops up on a few numbers.