Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: The reissue of Doug Watkins' seminal album Watkins at Large provides an essential restoration of a jazz classic, originally recorded in 1956. This Tone Poet Vinyl Edition, meticulously produced by Joe Harley and mastered from the original analog tapes by Kevin Gray, offers aficionados a pristine auditory experience. This version is presented in a deluxe tip-on jacket with an included booklet. At just 22 years old, Watkins led a remarkable ensemble featuring jazz icons such as Donald Byrd on trumpet, Hank Mobley on tenor sax, Kenny Burrell on guitar, Duke Jordan on piano, and Art Taylor on drums. This album features Watkins' masterful bass play, as he navigates through blues, ballads, and more with his band. Tracks like 'Return to Paradise' and 'Phil T. McNasty's Blues' highlight Watkins' ability to blend seamlessly with and support his stellar lineup, making Watkins at Large a must-have. This reissue is not only a tribute to Watkins' legacy but also a necessary addition for collectors and new fans alike, given the rarity and high cost of original pressings.