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.

[@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.

[@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

[@XYBand]

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

[@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.

[@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 !!!!

[@simonh1349]

bassist kills it

[@simonh1349]

amazing

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@IsraelDaGoat]

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

[@adeyinkaakinwandeadeplayhouse]

the basist is something else

[@Monkey-ut7ke]

Are you a musician?

[@BensonMarkAkinkugbe]

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

[@Cubsfan122112]

@@BensonMarkAkinkugbe 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.

[@markschulze7841]

I come back here every six months or so...

[@bgdaddyrich6937]

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

[@herculesmwp7983]

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

[@oaoJ69Joao]

That guy kill it on Saxophone, nice job!

[@bobdownes162]

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

[@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!

[@JazzR31]

Nice trumpet solo - musical and soulful!

[@DanielGiafaglione]

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

[@microsoftwordtm2739]

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

[@larrygk1257]

@@DanielGiafaglione Agree....style and power

[@Jaegurmangensun]

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

[@johnbrown2378]

This guy can seriously play the sax

[@kurikokaleidoscope]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@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!!!

[@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!

[@codyshepard8764]

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

[@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!!!

[@jerseyj2]

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

[@rorydiamond2389]

so deep in the pocket they finding lint!

[@t3gt2000]

BEST Comment!!! LOL

[@KoolHandJuke]

And the elusive dime... !

[@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!

[@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 😭

[@Jodus_MacGotuss]

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

[@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!

[@andrewwright6893]

All incredible musicians. Unreal.

[@michaelcrandell2433]

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

[@tomash6572]

Nice Band, Drums tuned nicely, everyone blends well together

[@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

[@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

[@robertbriquet]

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

[@amnd1987]

9:24 that piano guy. Bad ass dude!

[@ryanleiderman9622]

Fantastic sax! The whole band is killing it.

[@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. 👍👍👍🎺💯💯

[@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.

[@FutbolClubBarca]

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

[@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 ❤️🙏

[@imamba1]

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

[@Sam_11_O9]

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

[@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 ✌️

[@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.

[@shaneilellis9832]

Nice Bass and beat 👍

[@DJM626]

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

[@richarsenault1004]

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

[@MARKCREEKWATER1]

very very well done version of a classic ... these guys rock !!

[@526bigsam]

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

[@Sergio-ta3krt]

they all amazing !!

[@3melendr]

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

[@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!!!💝

[@jeremyhewitt7840]

such fun being had all round. WONDERFUL

[@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.

[@nicktomasi392]

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

[@robalexwar]

Such a pleasure to watch these sessions. Fantastic musicianship :)

[@richardcasey7521]

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

[@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

[@atilamatamoros7499]

Memorable tune has kept me company for 55 at 70.

[@trhuffer]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@thomasvee329]

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

[@BlackRootsUNLIMITED]

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

[@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

[@landofold]

This guy's drum kit sounds fucking amazing.

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@AlChemicalLife]

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

[@sylviewheeler6237]

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

[@delirious153]

This channel is frigging awesome love it keep them flowing....

[@dariomoehrke7907]

Thanks for making this just absolutly crazy good!

[@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!

[@fineoutrick9789]

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

[@zumbadancesandy]

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

[@ernestcorea5650]

FANTASTIC.ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. Congrats all the way.

[@guitarsolos89]

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

[@earlcousins6635]

LOVE IT! GREAT version!!!

[@markholub5219]

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

[@natsizzle]

really love this version, I always come back to it!!

[@gibsonguy5240]

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

[@yacovaviv7281]

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

[@PonchMuniz]

Really enjoyed this guys!! Great job

[@c.a.s.7494]

That‘s the „Watermelon Jam“ 🔥

[@TheRudydog1]

Masters at work and they make it look so easy.

[@sinisterdreamsmusic9712]

Awesome Groove! Love the way you do this.

[@armandobarahona5586]

Brroo...that sax...amazing!!!

[@SCACCOMATTO100]

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

[@xzxzxczxcxzcxzx]

Bass-line is a GROOOOOOVIN !! ... and slappy happy :)

[@EnlightenedRogue24]

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

[@philipproman2853]

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

[@Aquaponicsales1]

Great horn solos!!!

[@robertw.7511]

All of them are great...I love it.