Studio Jams #67 - "Watermelon Man"

Here is one of several tracks from Studio Jams Episode #67, taped "On The Road" at SubCat Studios in Syracuse, New York. It features keyboardist Mark Nanni, guitarist Brian Golden, drummer Dave Hanlon, bassist John Viavattine, Jr., along with his father John Viavattine, Sr. on saxophone and his uncle, Bob Viavattine on trumpet. For more on the series, go to www.StudioJams.com.

[@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.

[@somethingabstractiguess]

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 !!!!

[@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

[@XYBand]

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

[@simonh1349]

bassist kills it

[@simonh1349]

amazing

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bgdaddyrich6937]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

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

[@BlackRootsAcademyOfSoul]

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

[@robertbriquet]

I don't how many times i played that and i never get tired of it

[@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!

[@herculesmwp7983]

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

[@theloniouscoltrane3778]

AUG 2019 Studio Jams is one of the best thing that happened to KZbin. The producer/s is/are unselfish! The musicians are awesome.

[@oaoJ69Joao]

That guy kill it on Saxophone, nice job!

[@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!!!

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Memorable tune has kept me company for 55 at 70.

[@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 ✌️

[@bobdownes162]

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

[@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!

[@jerseyj2]

Been back half a dozen times in 3 days. Just can’t get enough of this jam. Wish I could give infinity thumbs...

[@bobbyg4100]

Frigging Amazing, God Bless you all. I’m a Drummer myself and you just blew my mind. Love you Gentlemen for sharing your Gifts ❤️🙏

[@sylviewheeler6237]

It doesn’t get better than this !!!!!!!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@andrewwright6893]

All incredible musicians. Unreal.

[@codyshepard8764]

could not stop smiling through the whole song. saxophone has infectious energy!

[@4wheelwarrior]

Wow! Been a while since a performance lit me up like that - I literally grabbed my keyboard outta the corner, threw it on the desk, and jammed along ... thanks so much! Awesome job!

[@Jodus_MacGotuss]

seein' the boys jam out is such a great feeling.

[@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 😭

[@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

[@michaelcrandell2433]

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

[@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!

[@Sam_11_O9]

That was some of the smoothest/ best playing I've ever seen, absolute vibe, absolute nuts

[@FutbolClubBarca]

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

[@amnd1987]

9:24 that piano guy. Bad ass dude!

[@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!!!

[@ryanleiderman9622]

Fantastic sax! The whole band is killing it.

[@zumbadancesandy]

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

[@tomash6572]

Nice Band, Drums tuned nicely, everyone blends well together

[@DJM626]

One of the Best versions of this song that I ever heard. Keeping it on the funky side of things. Nicely done

[@rorydiamond2389]

so deep in the pocket they finding lint!

[@t3gt2000]

BEST Comment!!! LOL

[@KoolHandJuke]

And the elusive dime... !

[@jmack619]

Tic-tacs

[@imamba1]

Pure enjoyment for me and I'm sure, the guys playing this great music.

[@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!!

[@526bigsam]

Studio Jams !!!! brings me back to the Days when????? I love this....

[@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!

[@markholub5219]

I'm so happy I subscribed to this ... It makes my feet move every time and brings me joy.

[@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. 👍👍👍🎺💯💯

[@fineoutrick9789]

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

[@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

[@pluto1jack]

Very nice rendition of the Master, very well done!

[@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

[@nazzme6181]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAVE!!! You guys are such an collective and compliment each other! Such a joy to my ears...I even thought I heard the 13th note! Well Done!!!💝

[@trhuffer]

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

[@nicktomasi392]

Tremendous!!!!!!! This rendition is the best version of this song I have heard.

[@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

[@richardcasey7521]

Great band, great horn solos! Love all the rhythm players too!

[@johnbrown2378]

This guy can seriously play the sax

[@thomasvee329]

Wonderful, talented musicians! Great jam, guys! Your talent is well recognized and appreciated!!!

[@jeremyhewitt7840]

such fun being had all round. WONDERFUL

[@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!

[@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.

[@Phazur]

this channel is really too funky for my ears! I can't listen to this before bedtime or I wanna dance and jam all night!!

[@guitarsolos89]

Such a great band, love the sound. That trumpet solo is so well executed! Much love all the way from Sweden

[@TheRudydog1]

Masters at work and they make it look so easy.

[@ernestcorea5650]

FANTASTIC.ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Congrats all the way.

[@AlChemicalLife]

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

[@wilsonyap2619]

Excellent!!! Fantastic!!!!

[@3melendr]

Man O man! What a treat to my ears. Great rendition of an old favorite of mine. Great job all!

[@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!

[@yacovaviv7281]

This makes me want to listen to an entire album of this stuff.

[@tractordave9300]

Dam,That was as smoooth as a fresh paved road, wooowh! Frigen awesome

[@richarsenault1004]

I’ve visit three times, absolutely solid and I’m hooked. Great job.

[@dzikarzmijsonka1263]

CHWAŁA PANU ZA TAKĄ MUZĘ!!

[@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.

[@gibsonguy5240]

These guys are really grooving and I'm feeling it!

[@RichardZempel]

Thank you thank you for posting. This is why I loves the you tube.

[@kvnboudreaux]

I don’t understand how anyone could dislike this

[@TheAaronRodgersTao]

I don’t dislike this, but the horns are out of tune with each other and it doesn’t work. But overall it’s not dislikeable.

[@q12aw50]

Probably because it’s mediocre, no offense

[@kvnboudreaux]

@@TheAaronRodgersTao you are right, now I can’t unhear it

[@wassenwasse]

lovely funky way to play this one ; study object right now for me thanks for the lovely solo's

[@BGvideo2480]

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

[@ericyang2069]

How can you not love jazz

[@c.a.s.7494]

That‘s the „Watermelon Jam“ 🔥

[@PonchMuniz]

Really enjoyed this guys!! Great job

[@SCACCOMATTO100]

Gorgeous! that's all i can add.And not such a thing as too long drums solo,very tasteful.thank you gentlemen.

[@warri1000]

true pro,s they put everything into it as if it was a live show fantastic well done guys . Looking forward to hearing more studio work Graham

[@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

[@bigcheeto4566]

This is amazing!!! My jaw dropped all the way to China!!! I loved the tenor and drums solos the best but the trumpet did amazing as well good job guys keep doing what you're doing

[@camloff]

Like this group and great sound. Marvellous sax play.

[@Aquaponicsales1]

Great horn solos!!!

[@jackeaffe]

Was für tolle Menschen und wundervolle Musiker!!! ich liebe das!!

[@lucianoiacoletti5725]

what a great performance !!!

[@jacksprat3009]

Just stumbled across this - glad i stayed. Solid funky Whadda Mellon Mon.

[@jae73vzw]

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