Dark Days – Robert Watson
Dark Days is an evocative ballad filled composed of equal parts sorrow and hope.
- Recording: Bobby Watson - Horizon Reassembled
- Recorded on: January 25, 2004
- Label: Palmetto Records (PM 2102)
- Concert Key: D-flat
- Style: Ballad
- Alto Sax - Bobby Watson
- Trumpet - Terell Stafford
- Piano - Edward Simon
- Bass - Essiet Essiet
- Drums - Victor Lewis
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The inspiration for this moving ballad is explained in the historical notes. Once you listen to our audio clip, you'll hear that the melody is a perfect vehicle for Bobby's bending, sliding, mournful alto sax. The melody and solo sections are in an ABC format.
Bobby's earlier recording of this piece, in a quartet format with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass) and Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums), is also available as a download from iTunes and Amazon.
Bobby's earlier recording of this piece, in a quartet format with John Hicks (piano), Curtis Lundy (bass) and Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums), is also available as a download from iTunes and Amazon.
Bobby Watson recorded this beautiful ballad on two occasions, first in 1986 on Red Records
, then in 2004 on Palmetto. Our lead sheet reflects Bobby's 2004 recording, which had a piano solo but no other soloists. The original 1986 recording was more expanded, with two soloists. We've included notations showing how Bobby expanded the arrangement for an additional soloist, as well as a return to the entire melody.
Bobby wrote this composition during the apartheid era, after he saw an image in the International Herald Tribune of an infant's coffin being carried in a procession. Dark Days was dedicated to Nelson Mandela.
Many of Watson's printed combo arrangements are available from Second Floor Music. See more information (scroll down to composer name or click on letter at top). Purchase at MusicDispatch.com.
, then in 2004 on Palmetto. Our lead sheet reflects Bobby's 2004 recording, which had a piano solo but no other soloists. The original 1986 recording was more expanded, with two soloists. We've included notations showing how Bobby expanded the arrangement for an additional soloist, as well as a return to the entire melody.Bobby wrote this composition during the apartheid era, after he saw an image in the International Herald Tribune of an infant's coffin being carried in a procession. Dark Days was dedicated to Nelson Mandela.
Many of Watson's printed combo arrangements are available from Second Floor Music. See more information (scroll down to composer name or click on letter at top). Purchase at MusicDispatch.com.
Robert Watson
born on August 23, 1953
Robert "Bobby" Watson, who was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas, grew up to become a jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger and education of formidable talent and acclaim. He got his degree from the University of Miami before becoming a member (and later the musical director) of legendary drummer Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. He remained an invaluable member for four years, from 1977 until 1981. Read more...