Two-time Grammy Award winner Ernie Watts is one of the most versatile and prolific saxophone players around, featured on over 500 recordings by artists ranging from Cannonball Adderley to Frank Zappa. The list of people he's played with in his 40 year career is stunning - original masters including Miles Davis, Thelonius Monk, Oliver Nelson, Buddy Rich, and Gerald Wilson; to the contemporary "who's who" including Pat Metheny, Charlie Haden, Jack DeJohnette, Arturo Sandoval, Kenny Barron, Mulgrew Miller, Eddie Gomez, Jimmy Cobb, and Marc Whitfield. Ernie's signature sound is also heard on countless TV shows and movie scores, and with pop stars such as Aretha Franklin and Steely Dan.

 

His current activities includes work with vocalist Kurt Elling in a tribute to Johnny Hartman and John Coltrane with string quartet. He has taken part in Jazz at the Kennedy Center for Billy Taylor, and recently toured Australia with Billy Cobham and orchestra. He gives back to the music by conducting student clinics and master classes.

Visit his site www.erniewatts.com for sound samples and more on this exceptional musician.

Ernie Watts and WVJO are now headlining the jazz portion of the large music festival "Left Coast Live" in downtown San Jose. The Watts concert is now at the Theater on San Pedro Square, 29 N. San Pedro, San Jose with 2 sets at 8 pm and 9:30 pm. Tickets are now available as part of Left Coast Live; one ticket gives admittance to 100 events the evening of May 15, including additional jazz notables like Marcus Shelby. Jazz starts at 6 pm at the Theater on San Pedro Square.

Tickets:

Purchase from Left Coast Live - Online price $17, $20 at the door. WVJO Season Ticket Holders will receive special tickets for the Ernie Watts Concert only.