Steve Watts | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 September 1961 Sutton, Surrey, England |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument | Double Bass / Electric Bass |
| Years active | 1980s–present |
Steve Watts (born 14 September 1961) is a British jazz bass player who was a member of the Loose Tubes big band during the 1980s. [1]
Steve Watts first came to prominence on the UK jazz scene as a bass player in bands with saxophonist Iain Ballamy. He later joined the UK big band Loose Tubes and features on recordings including the live album Arriving. [2] Watts went on to collaborate with many UK jazz musicians including fellow Loose Tubes member Julian Arguelles [3] , Billy Jenkins [4] and Christine Tobin [5] . He is a long time associate of US pianist Kirk Lightsey playing in duo, trio and quartet formats. [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12]
Watts is a founding member of The Printmakers, a British jazz band featuring Norma Winstone, Nikki Iles, Mark Lockheart, Mike Walker and James Maddren. In 2015 they released album Westerly which was well received [13] [14] , and The Observer noted that "Every one of them [...] is a leading figure in British contemporary jazz". [15] In a 5-star review London Jazz News declared "there is surely no anchor more solid and creative, for a band with [sic] needs this freedom, than bassist Steve Watts." [16]
Watts teaches on the Guildhall School of Music and Drama jazz instrumental staff [17] and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. [18]
With Loose Tubes
With Iain Ballamy
With Mike Walker
With Julian Arguelles
With Christine Tobin
With Billy Jenkins
With others