Studio Jams #67 - "Watermelon Man"

[@keeganmclean2017]

That bass player is unreal. Picked up the bass riff from the tenor after one rep. Excellent fills and technique... just a badass musician all-around.

[@anthonynastasijr]

Absolutely love the tenor fill at 4:14. Sorry, I may have to scarf it up.

[@alanmcrae8594]

Doing "Watermelon Man" as a jazz funk was a brilliant idea given the instruments available, especially with a bass player who can really bring it. While I love playing it as a Latin jazz piece myself, I sure loved hearing this deeply grooved reinterpretation. Really cool guys!

[@aaaponte0613]

I agree!

[@tedrhoads4568]

Soooo Love This !!!!

[@jamesday7690]

I’ve listened to this legitimately over 60 times in the past few years. That trumpet solo deserves an academy award!

[@bobviavattine1715]

I don't know if that's good or bad. Lol. If good, thank you so much. Much appreciated.

[@mattg8636]

@@bobviavattine1715 Bob, your solo on summertime from this session is still my favorite. This one is a close second

[@bobviavattine1715]

@@mattg8636 Hi Matt, wow thank you so much. I really appreciate the kind words...... All the best....(-:

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

@@bobviavattine1715 😅it’s a good thing!! Great job.

[@jansenrsouza]

I'm studying this song, and is a strong inspiration to me.

[@dreamlifter2701]

That bass fill at 8:39 is killer. I played it back at least 6 times.

[@PumilateVFX]

8:33

[@lifeworksndhenterprisesllc6597]

The horn section is pure blazing.sheeeewit!

[@ZeranZeran]

I listen to a lot of jazz and improv music, that guy is a beast

[@BiggDogg25100]

Now, this is what you call music. Man I love jazz. It's the only kind of music that just makes you feel good inside and out. Great way to end the day for me.

[@kbells1171]

Jazzfunk

[@nickycotton6137]

Yeah them sounds are so uplifting and a Doctor in their own right.

[@master_ot6004]

@@nickycotton6137 "...a Doctor in 'they are' own right."??? This doesn't make sense.

[@nickycotton6137]

@@master_ot6004 = Well I just find their music therapeutic. Sorry.

[@simonh1349]

bassist kills it

[@simonh1349]

amazing

[@adeyinkaakinwandeadeplayhouse]

the basist is something else

[@Monkey-ut7ke]

Are you a musician?

[@Nikannosneb]

He held the groove really tight. His dad, (Saxophonist) must feel so proud of him

[@Cubsfan122112]

@@Nikannosneb saxophone players always appreciate a good bassist.

[@KoolHandJuke]

@@Cubsfan122112 👍

[@SheolicSeraph]

I thought the guitarist was normally supposed to keep in with the saxes in a big band.

[@subzeroelectronics3022]

My middle school jazz band actually played this song, it was an absolute favorite.

[@naonao-yf3zd]

yesss mine too, is really cool to play it with everyone

[@fideliusconcrete4871]

Seriously cool band - the old and young guys work together in perfect harmony! And Herbie loves this version, I'm sure, cause it really swings.

[@nacleisterxx22]

The bass sounds cool to me...the guy is good and a creative bass player...

[@michaelosullivan7087]

thought sax was spot on. great player

[@mirazusta2002]

Absolutely, and what about the drummer solo, awesome!

[@Jakeypoo05]

They are all freakin awesome

[@jaisoofi5513]

Michael O'sullivan the sax player is the bass players dad ;)

[@jermey4459]

@@michaelosullivan7087 , xxx so,,pp up 0o0 up o⁰0

[@XYBand]

That drum solo was killer! Mimicking the melody like that, I could still hear it in my head

[@elmelmon]

I love many styles of music but jazz gives the player so much room to express himself. It speaks and sings without uttering a word! I love jazz!

[@adeyinkaakinwandeadeplayhouse]

the basist is the son of the saxophonist, music flows in the family

[@StudioJams]

He is also the nephew of the trumpeter. :)

[@ihH6053]

I like his bass Warwick thumb has a great slap tone

[@highlightfactory85]

dude is working on that bass, real hip

[@willtabor1713]

Crivello. If I die as I listen it would be right,,,,,,,,,

[@jackeaffe]

I think the same, but babe, Bassist is with a double "s" . Never mind, the members of the group (here seems it to be my fault) are great!!! I do love it!!

[@bgdaddyrich6937]

Bassist is BEASTING on em’!!! Must be awesome to be in the studio rocking out with your son!

[@rorydiamond2389]

so deep in the pocket they finding lint!

[@t3gt2000]

BEST Comment!!! LOL

[@KoolHandJuke]

And the elusive dime... !

[@Janginpyo7110]

Your performance is very nice and perfect! It's the best! I support you by becoming a friend. I wish you good health and good luck.

[@Livsie]

That bassist is a monster! :)) Oh.....He's really grooving, both in fingerpicking and in slap. I'm digging his groves right now, and it's not easy at all! Very cool performance of everyone, bravo!

[@FutbolClubBarca]

Viavattine's solo had that Michael Brecker vibe at 6:53. Loving this channel

[@JazzR31]

Nice trumpet solo - musical and soulful!

[@dan.ofsteel]

Ray R true but they weren’t that much in tune for some parts 😂

[@microsoftwordtm2739]

@@dan.ofsteel Ah well.. Call it jazz then and it's fine ;)

[@larrygk1257]

@@dan.ofsteel Agree....style and power

[@Jaegurmangensun]

dAnNy nO CAp he was 100% in tune maaaan. He’s just a jazz cat

[@amanyttap]

I like this arrngmnt..very crispy and just easy and cool...Let the guitarman plays a solo thanks...happy Bday drummerman

[@amanyttap]

Cool arrngmnt...

[@naonao-yf3zd]

i was waiting for the guitar solo 😭

[@evanw1842]

Can we get a backing track for this 😂 I need one with that killer baseline

[@dominiquesee468]

Best version of Watermelon Man ever!!! Mr. Johnny V Sr, I’ve never heard you before but am now convinced, as a long time sax player, you are the best I’ve EVER heard! Super solid, funky, tasty licks...you make me never want to play again! But thanks for the Inspiration

[@Joshua-gv1ep]

Dominique See his sound reminds me a little of Stanley Turrentine.

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Yah, a monster player, for sure. Great stuff. I hope you’re still playing!

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

Cool comment. And yes!

[@EvilMandark13]

I have just been enslaved to the funk.

[@johnbrown2378]

This guy can seriously play the sax

[@stephen7565]

Who else loves the way that Johnny comes in at 8:33 ??

[@JonathanOyervides]

I immediately thought of Marcus Miller as soon as he came in!

[@pierobalbo3337]

me

[@aomestreluthier]

yesssssss!!!!!!!!

[@kajahajduk6451]

yeah, I love it!!!😍

[@xzxzxczxcxzcxzx]

Me! .. and LOVE the triplets!

[@oaoJ69Joao]

That guy kill it on Saxophone, nice job!

[@gabrielthompson9800]

What planet is the bassist from again?

[@amnd1987]

9:24 that piano guy. Bad ass dude!

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

2019 AUG Do these great musicians have day jobs? Are they weekend musicians? Do they have families? Anyone? They are so passionate with music! Way to go! Keep sharing your talent!

[@거기-f6d]

2:54

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

Dear Brilliant and Wonderful. This is the best music in the world. In any world. On any avenue.

[@gentrismoore7566]

Trumpet player Bob Viavattine on trumpet. showing some skills; but actually the whole band is nice I just happen to be a trumpet player so I was singling out my instrument, Well we can't take anything away from the synergy on display with this group of outstanding musicians.

[@jerseyj2]

Gentris mOORE it’s how it goes man. Sax for me but for the same reason and like you, I recognize the others ability too. Three of them are related go figure. Sax & trumpet players are brothers and the bassist is the sax players son. This whole jam is just sick as hell!

[@seanhalloran4286]

Outstanding! You guys smoked this one. That bass fill was killer, jay-sus with hot sauce! Sax player’s solo, trumpet player, drum solo, guitar, you guys nailed it. Great job! Btw, i’ve been in many bands myself and your guy’s bantering about the arrangement before getting into it is so familiar… exactly how many bands talk at rehearsal!

[@brandoninu7140]

Whoa that re-entry from the bass after the wicked drum solo wth is happening omg too much bro

[@robertm2000]

Only one comment for this: "YYYYYEEEEEAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!!"

[@abujanuariabuellao9568]

robertm2000 it feel free keep ion hangin

[@afairbien]

I think the drummer is the key. He a sort of tune tempo from a part to another . Men ! He got a sort of sweet groove . I like the way hit the snare, letting more space for the others .

[@RichardZempel]

This is one of my all time fave videos, fave songs and fave performances by each guy in this band - but as a sax player, I gotta say this is one of the all time greatest tenor sax solos, bravo all, especially John. I know what joy you Viavattines have playing together - My 3 sons have a band they ask me to play and help arrange horns, record, etc. Smooth Talkin Perverts-mutant punk rock with (occasional) horns.

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

That’s great. And ya, the tenor solo-dang!

[@jamesf1525]

Nice groove on this tune Thumbs up for upstate NY musicians! Long history of producing many greats from Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, Schenectady & Troy.

[@thwninjascopez]

Everyone: “nah, go ahead and play your drum solo free and not in the form” Drummer: *plays the form perfectly and even plays the bass line on his cymbals*

[@EvilSean62]

as a bass player of nearly 400 years now ( im 58 started when i was 14 but im combining dog, cat and string life years ) ... i HAVE to say drummers kill me ... literally ... bits of me are damaged trying to make with the drums ... to have one this consistently in the pocket and with nice sloppy fills and swinging runs ... oh the very thought heals me and notice the bass player here is also pretty damn fine

[@thwninjascopez]

@@EvilSean62 yeah, good musicians all around, definitely. Congrats on your long career! Here’s to many more good years to come 🥂

[@arthurpendragon9079]

I'm not a drum solo guy, generally, but check out his solo on Caravan. It's sublime.

[@domdentrecasteaux6389]

it's your birthday, dave?

[@adeyinkaakinwandeadeplayhouse]

I really enjoyed the horn men especially the saxophonist, we have been working on this watermelon man in my saxophone class, and I have learnt a lot from him. thanks, the drummer is cool, I'll give him my mother if he wants, haha

[@xing.s.8851]

Mom: I treat you as my son and you treat me as a give away present?

[@anthonydupont3694]

Adeyinka Akinwande adeplayhouse&dcomrades amazing how music bring people together

[@juliedobson8991]

It's a shame the horns can't play the head together. Everything else sounds great!

[@loucardinals79]

Agreed. Each of them is playing it in their own style, which sounds disjointed. Also, a note in the 3rd phrase of the melody was not in agreement (concert A vs. concert A-flat). Otherwise, they all did a great job!

[@Monkey-ut7ke]

Everyone a critic here? Do any of you two play any better? I came because I am a musician and enjoy hearing others play. Get a life, enjoy the music.

[@Monkey-ut7ke]

@@christopherhudson8830 it's a jam, man, something you couldn't pull off without sheet music and a bunch of rules. Just concentrate on your first words, "couldn't do better". What are you, a critic?

[@kenmillerstudios]

Everyone with ears is a critic. I agree with both comments. Horns aren't stylistically together and a bit out of tune. That said.....they are just jamming. Well. Especially the solos. No need to be so critical in the moment. Just enjoy.......

[@herculesmwp7983]

I love how the drummer in his solo mimics the bass player. That was very cool

[@ManwithAx]

Finally a guy that plays slap bass that doesn't just sound like snap and rattle. Well done.

[@DeclansMusic]

Its that Warwick growl. Very underrated for funk IMO. Check out Sonny T from new power generation.

[@aaaponte0613]

It's that Warwick! They're killer! If you wanna see a cool bass look at the Warwick video for Bootsy Collins

[@yosho5436]

The reason I clicked on this video was because of the title.

[@MJ98774]

I was gonna comment on the bassist but you all beat me to it. He plays a great solo/groove on Summertime as well

[@randallkurzman9248]

This funk is infectious which is just the kind of infection we need in these times. This would cheer the mopiest amongst us. I can imagine a child moping and these guys are trying to cheer them up and through their defiant tears they crack a smile and it's over; they've broken the ice.

[@Zippy67roadster]

Studio Jams has recorded this song at least 3 other times over the years but this is my favorite version. Really good tempo and the horns are spot on!!!

[@mcjigger5364]

2:53 Thank me later

[@PumilateVFX]

Not thank you😉

[@Craig2760]

Dr John appropriately asks the question, “how can I be so white, and so funky?”

[@georgerussell2947]

because race does not effect skill

[@tesmith47]

@@georgerussell2947 skill is not the issue, some white guys have the funk, some dont

[@estherlord6330]

Dang, that was excellent !! You fellows just blew me away and made my day. That was freaking awesome (bass player myself 😊). I turned it up to listen and dance 😅 to. Beautiful day outside and I have windows open. My neighbor came over and said "who is this ?!!". Thank you for sharing. Rock On ✌️

[@tomash6572]

Nice Band, Drums tuned nicely, everyone blends well together

[@HK-cq6yf]

You know your drum solo is good when you make faces like those

[@knuchel25]

6:45 the guitarist is just having too much fun :) that's pleasant to see

[@philipproman2853]

That drumsolo!!! Holy shit what a god!! :D

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

This music NEVER gets old..always a new interp around the corner -one you have not heard - so, flip it, let it sizzle..and bango!!!

[@fineoutrick9789]

What a great job on this! Good solos and arrangements; well recorded.

[@adamstastny8743]

Tight playing hits better than anything.

[@cthulhuhoops7538]

Watch the rehearsal in 0.25 playback speed. Creepy and hilarious. Love this song btw, one of my all time KZbin favorites.

[@mr.johnson9252]

anyone else watching in quarantine?

[@jerseyj2]

So wtf, did these guys seriously take 15 mins to talk it out and then played it this well? Some serious talent. I absolutely love this cover of Watermelon Man!

[@mrbigg151]

It's amazing how we use the language of music. At a certain level, you start to have a keen sense of who's doing what and when. They ALL are talented musicians.

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

Watermelon Man with a hot funky stank on it. I love it! 🎷😎👍

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

Solid 👌🏿👍🏿 Greetings from Uganda 🇺🇬👊🏿🖤❤️

[@donnytarbert6839]

just really needs a Steve Gadd on the drums to put in those sixteenths...

[@blueslurker1]

Go watch a Steve Gadd video.

[@aaaponte0613]

I was going to look at other covers of this song after this but I don't know if I even want to anymore, it's rare that a cover fulfills so much!

[@bobdownes162]

One thing I love in particular with these guys is: No Boasting in their playing ! Profi flute/saxist for 55 years.

[@txss]

The bass player made that song happen.

[@gstorrie5964]

D31ANCE_06, The sax players solo is played with a lot of feeling something you clearly haven't got, completely clueless.

[@mcflyboarder9537]

I played bass on this at our parent cafe during pickup at our school today, not nearly as slick as this, man these dudes are on another level entirely. Still, I had a gas, it’s a great tune.

[@helmutzawrel8549]

So, i am a musician too from germany. Everybody is talking about the bass player. I think thats a good session with greatful players. All of them are first class. Helmut from Germany. 👍👍👍🎺💯💯

[@johnbarnett6924]

PRINCE, would probably say THAT HORN WAS SPEAKING LOUD ,FOR REAL,and so say I ,Thanks for this post All. SEMPER FI

[@andrewwright6893]

All incredible musicians. Unreal.

[@jimdep6542]

Wait just a minute....drummers who tell you what chords to play ? What's next ...dogs and cats living together ? ...(Bill Murray)

[@sergehammond2812]

Hello mes super amis Enfin du véritable Funk Blues bravo. Votre Bluesman sur Hammond B3 et deux Leslies et ce depuis l'âge de cinq ans et maintenant 50 ans de de plus. Encore bravo à vous et j'espère voir toute l'équipe en Suisse. À très bientôt SERGE

[@jae73vzw]

Man that's good! I néeded that after the week I've had.

[@michaelcrandell2433]

Putting song list together for this next summer. I love this funky version of Watermelon Man!!

[@CesarRamirez-pk2dk]

El bajo es increíblemente poderoso. He escuchado esta pieza muchas veces. 🙃🙃🙃

[@landofold]

This guy's drum kit sounds fucking amazing.

[@gilsontopfstedt3554]

who can tell that the human being is a result of an evolution from a worm or microorganism... ? NO! Human Being is created on Gods image ... genius, intelligent, creative... amazing skills of these guys.. Congrats

[@q12aw50]

Gilson nobody loves you

[@OzzmosisR]

awesome bass. f*ck yeah GROOVE!!!

[@mirazusta2002]

The trumpeter is so fxxxing good and subtle. Brilliant performance by all of them though. Great music.

[@TheRiffrafftube]

Beautiful! It's my reference for playing watermelon! but can someone explain to me why the trumpet plays two extra bars in the second chorus of his solo?

[@AlChemicalLife]

gonna be playing this for our new formed jazz band in school, pretty happy about it !

[@donnytarbert6839]

Any piano musos out there got an idea on what the chords are he is playing ( 9ths, 11th, 13ths ?) I just can't get it on my keyboard.

[@MrInstrumentalist]

I don't know the drummer but I can tell he's a fan of the great Peter Erskine.

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

In the 70's, Eddie Weed, Kay Mack and Bob Douglas played watermelon man at the Sherwood in Tigard OR. Kay was a torch singer but played the snare and sock cymbal. It was good! Great song, you guys did good! Iguana

[@zumbadancesandy]

Man.. this is just awesome! Me at lockdown and playing my saxophone with you guys makes me feel great! Thanks a lot!

[@BGvideo2480]

Great grove and performance.... Love part of " Standing on Shakey Ground" as the bass line :).

[@cwrysenga]

I love this funky version! I'm playing trumpet along with this to work up my own solo for an upcoming jam and it gives me great ideas. Thanks for posting this!

[@gregorymciver7478]

Turned that mother out alright; nice real nice

[@trhuffer]

You ain't SEEN this tenor guy's chops! Great job, guys!

[@droyer3400]

2:40 greatest laugh ever

[@karstenwintherjensen2677]

COOL! Instead of the traditional arrangement with a choir - solo trump - solo sax - some chase - etc. jump directly into a guitar solo and make some great (unison) riffs with tenor and alto horn

[@glennspooner5430]

WOW! Sweet as honey. I really enjoyed that a lot. The music is still in my head and my feet just can't stay still. Music that gives me a lift in these difficult times. I'm looking forward to more. Smoking hot.

[@HamzaJyetoukoum]

Heyyy bass man! I love you 😻

[@playonkorg]

Great, compliments to all with very good timings, you let the music open for room for accents and solo's....i'm happy to hear this

[@chaplainmattsanders4884]

4:15 sweet little tenor fill.

[@bartels72]

wow....when Sr. and Jr. are playing together...it's subtle....but Jr. plays more off of Sr. than Unk. Dear GODS this is beautiful

[@matthewmwangi5710]

2:53

[@ryanleiderman9622]

Fantastic sax! The whole band is killing it.