When you combine the talents of blues harmonica player Corky Siegel and jazz saxophonist Ernie Watts the result is sure to be an unforgettable concert.
Judging by the hilarious phone conversation we had with the two pals, in addition to hearing great music from the duo, audience members will have lots of laughs.Their playful attitude began when I asked them to identify themselves when they talk so I’ll know who to quote and one of them responded, “This is me.
”“I was touring with this fellow named Dr. L. Subramaniam, who is considered the god of violin in India,” Siegel related. “I look over to the other side of the stage during a rehearsal and there is Ernie Watts. I am totally amazed and I want to meet him but I’m completely intimidated because he’s the god of saxophone. Not only that, he looks really mean.” Longtime friends and musical collaborators Corky Siegel and Ernie Watts will share the stage at Studio5 in Evanston on May 26. During a break, Siegel summoned his courage and asked Watts to join him for Chai and Watts accepted. That’s when Watts explained his mean look, Siegel said, telling him, “That’s just the way I look when I’m not doing anything.” Since that encounter the two have worked together as often as they can despite their busy schedules and Watts’ sometimes mean look. Watts, who played alto saxophone with “The Tonight Show” band from 1972-1992 — this concert tour is partially funded by the Johnny Carson Tonight Show Foundation — has been featured on over 500 recordings and has performed with a long list of jazz greats. Siegel, who is considered one of the world’s greatest blues harmonica players, is also the composer of award-winning works who has had million-selling blues/classical recordings on the Deutsche Grammophon classical label, as well as recordings on RCA, Vanguard and Alligator. He was also part of the acclaimed Siegel-Schwall Band. Siegel said that the two of them make an interesting duo because, “First of all, we’re old geezers. We have almost 160 years between us on this earth trying to understand what’s going on. We have an extremely good understanding of about 1%.” Siegel added that another way in which the two of them are alike is that “our tongues are always pointed somewhere in the vicinity of our cheeks.” “I think we’re a good combo because we have the same values,” Watts added. “We believe in the same things, we listen to similar things, we have come from similar backgrounds, we’re about the same age so we’ve had a lot of the same experiences within this culture we live in being musicians. We enjoy each other’s company a lot. We have the same sense of humor and our music values are very, very similar.” They both stressed that is true even though Watts is known as a jazz musician and Siegel is known as a blues musician.Watts reported that at the Studio5 concert, the duo will play original compositions, classic compositions written by Siegel, and some of his original compositions. They will also tell some fascinating stories. “It’s a very eclectic program,” Watts noted. “I think it’s mind-opening for people. It can be an example of what can happen with the potential that is in music to bring people together.” Tickets to the Corky Siegel and Ernie Watts concert are $35; $45 for cabaret seating. To purchase tickets, visit
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Dreo ChefMaker Combi Fryer turns anyone into a master chef, and preorders are up to 45% offThe new DREO ChefMaker Combi Fryer is an all-in-one cooking solution that's like nothing you've ever seen. It's up to 45% off on Kickstarter.
Read more »
Evanston cracks down on single-use bags with new taxThe new tax will go into effect on August 1 with 10 cents added per disposable bag used. The bag fee will not apply to restaurants, non-chain store organizations, retailers with less than 10,000 square feet and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants.
Read more »
Live Music in San Antonio This Week: Acid Mothers Temple, Pearl & The Oysters, Currents and moreAward-winning blues rock outfit Rochelle & The Sidewinders is also bringing its velvety sound to town. SanAntonio SATX SanAntonioTX SanAntonioMusic TexasMusic ThingsToDoInSanAntonio
Read more »
Tina Turner, unstoppable superstar whose hits included ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It,’ dead at 83Turner was one of the world’s most successful entertainers, known for a core of pop, rock and rhythm and blues favorites like 'Proud Mary,' 'River Deep, Mountain High,' and 'What’s Love Got to Do with It.'
Read more »
Summer Movie Clubhouse at Cinemark is back, offering $1.50 ticketsParticipating theaters will host Summer Movie Clubhouse movies weekly through summer
Read more »