Theme from Rocky - James Last Orchestra feat. Derek Watkins

[@Sheza58]

Still the best live version on KZbin

[@prestonrcasey]

Facts

[@bigswingface5847]

Eric Miyashiro version, with a trombone solo that will kill you.

[@superlast]

Thank you Sheza!

[@firestriker3580]

Nope there are others that are better

[@firestriker3580]

@@prestonrcasey Not facts

[@lapredo3]

Outstanding!!! There will never be another era like the 1970's.

[@lavanille1078]

Mi padre me decía lo mismo, buena música, buen cine, buena comida, buenas mujeres...😂😂

[@JeroniSauce]

15 years later and I still come back to this with chills down my spine

[@superlast]

Thank you! It’s pretty cool for what was a tv prog performance.

[@harooncaptures9826]

Dude same. I can’t believe time has progressed us so far. But the real days were of the past. Gosh I miss em

[@theelvisguru9490]

Have you tried turning the heating on. It might help

[@MrThestevster]

​@@superlastwhat year did this air?

[@superlast]

@@MrThestevster This would be 1979/80 approx. Hope this helps.

[@TheGetRich2K]

this shyt hits different watching this in the morning before a workout!

[@subutayozselanikli]

This is the best ever arrangement and performance.

[@collettdave]

Derek proves that screaming trumpet doesn't have to be hard but instead totally relaxed with command of the airstream. He was the best in the business! Watching him play makes it look like anyone can do it!

[@andersonwade9963]

1:28 The drummer is really enjoying himself,he in the groove.

[@jcj2007]

The best live version I've seen on KZbin.

[@tedrivera1804]

The guy on the congas KILLED it! Was awesome.

[@9004jorge]

That trumpet , though. You have to give him SOME credit.

[@sapogato4518]

Everyone one, clean, sharp. A beauty to listen to.

[@albertplaysguitar]

The most perfect interpretation of this song. All the modern ones fall very short!

[@jayjayjay4788]

True.

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

This is a rock solid performance!!! My greatest compliment to the lead trumpet! This is probably the ONLY band that has NOT butchered the tempo!

[@TheCarlsonsRaiders]

One of the greatest movie themes of all time, performed by one of the best orchestras I've ever seen.

[@Kuya1991]

Dude on the Bongo's is totally feeling it

[@Bongoboi123]

Agreed! It's teh hottness :D

[@fingerdrummers]

Congas

[@alejoromero]

Those are congas, but yes, he has the flavor :D

[@jeremytangkilisan8772]

***** percussion lets end with that

[@alejoromero]

Bongoboi123 Congas. The bongos are there but he's not playing them.

[@The80sBoy]

Every time you hear the late, great Derek Watkins play, you marvel, not just at his musicianship, but the beauty of his amazing high-range intonation. Never a strain and always so musical. Yes his passing was very sad but we should feel honoured to have the countless recordings and videos of Derek's stunning playing. RIP Derek

[@BudTheDrummer]

This Orchestra had me crying tears of joy and smiling through the entire performance! Thank you one and all!

[@TheFromaniac]

I’m from the New Orleans area and have seen the best of the best at Jazz Fest over the years and let me tell you these guys are incredible. They could play on Bourbon Street and fit in no problem. They are real musicians. Real musicians can play anything. Wow.

[@TheMortacus]

The trumpet player could cut glass with those high tones! Awesome performance.

[@javiercoronel3457]

I like running 5 am with this sound!

[@inthelandwhere1]

derek watkins is fantastic. i play guitar, but after watching this i wish i could play the trumpet. the solo about 3 mins in is just phenomal. i love it. i am amazed and very impressed.

[@jackosallotment6224]

Feeling a bit down tonight watched this again gig done and off to pub with friends! It’s so amazing how music and great players can lift you back up

[@GeoffNewman01]

This is a wicked song and played by an excellent james last band. We can all see and agree that this guy has got great control. Wonderful sound, It's so difficult to play that high, in tune and making a great sound that is pleasurable to hear!

[@jaquintela]

Every single time I watch this video I get a very big smile on my face.

[@bryanclark4645]

Was Still the best lead trumpet player around til the day he was gone❤ Mr James Bond

[@subutayozselanikli]

Every piece of the band is perfect, but the bass part and its rendition are a masterpiece.

[@mrdavidburkett]

Best trumpeter in the world. Derek Watkins

[@trollman5720]

I’ve seen other orchestras try to recreate this sound it can’t be these men set the bar to high 🙏🏼 keep flyin my dads the Congo guy btw

[@Anthonyag42]

Great Congo player. What was his name?

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

Hit those ultra high notes Derek! Awesome!

[@Funkadelic3]

Derek Watkins was a genius musician and trumpet player. The man could play anything. Great showman as well.

[@LucasPenido]

Goosebumps everytime! RIP Derek Watkins.

[@betomena1]

I keep coming back to this video, excellent in a every way like I said before. But I also keep thinking how good everone sounds and looks on here but I also imagine the human behind-the-scenes storylines, dudes rushing to get to this gig because they where running late, etc. Most of these musicians where in the prime of their personal and musical lives, and now, today, most are elderly or deceased. Ahh life… so sweet… so bitter… like chocolate.

[@מלכהסמית]

James Last was a genius musician. A mastermind - like a wizard made musical reconstructions with the bands. The instrumental arrangement productions and multi-colored melodies played by the Orchestra are eternally remembered master pieces. I listen to James Last's everlasting music almost every day and I love it. Malka Smith 18/11/2017

[@TheMagges91]

Derek, you are a legend!

[@nicolasnicou2859]

2024 anyone.. .?

[@officialkaitou2929]

here

[@mosshark]

Shadow boxing to this.🔥

[@ytmyerm1477]

Here👍

[@rajeshkaran7800]

Right here hermano From 1977… up until now 2024 and beyond… this … will never ever get old 👍🍁❤

[@ConnorMueller-nh8zw]

😂me

[@someone-nk6jv]

best live version

[@BibaMedia]

derek smashed this one good show chap

[@shadowphoenix137]

Hey Superlast, thank you for uploading this. I’ve been listening to this video since I was lead trumpet in high school, giddily showing it to everyone in my section that gave me the time of day. That was a freaking decade ago - I’m still listening to it. I find myself whistling the lead parts every now and then. I was sad to learn Mr. Watkins passed away almost 10 years ago now. I hope this video stays on KZbin for years and years and years. What a phenomenal performance.

[@superlast]

Thanks for the message! Derek Watkins was a phenomenal player. What makes this particular performance so interesting is it was recorded as part of a tv show. No adjustments or echos or reverbs or multitracking. And he owns the solo. He was a great guy as well. I met him a few times.

[@elmarko9051]

Just came in from watching a Rocky Theme Maynard Ferguson tribute vid, none of them could touch Derek Watkins...and he soloed 3+ times, didn't lose that perfect sound.

[@Bongoboi123]

GOD DAMN those Bongos are AWESOME! 3:36

[@at90percent]

Just trying to figure out why he has a modern water faucet hanging over them. lol

[@superlast]

Enough already - stop using my page to write this nonsense, the are definitely congas.

[@Bongoboi123]

Superlast U mad bruh?

[@Hamerguy68]

Is the bongo player Herbert Bornholdt? He also was the drummer for german 70's prog rock band LUCIFER'S FRIEND along with guitarist Peter Hesslein who is also seen here. One thing's for sure, in the 70's/80's people were more open to different styles. While I am not a huge fan of "Hansi's" whole work, there are some works I enjoy listening to. Mostly the stuff from the 70's as the overall sound still had a bit more edge in music.

[@orhanozyuzer6846]

braaavvvoooo

[@bunnyhipdie]

Had that trumpet solo stuck in my head all day

[@Iceman444443]

What a fantastic trumpet player Derek was and to think that up until his death he was the main trumpet player for all of the James Bond movies. RIP Derek.

[@guimeadebisi]

this song touches my heart, inspiring me and giving desire to continue living as if every day was another round.

These introduction is Epic! I don't know the other big bands take off that. Awesome!

[@luizcabral1800]

Beautiful show show congratulations!

[@ATOMICO2000]

November 2020, This master piece is still valid to advance in peace and happiness against the bloody coronavirus.

[@Nickyx100]

Totally a great classic music!!!I really like this song.Whenver i hear this song it will always give me strentgth, knowledge and undying spirit!i'll look foward to live my life and have Rocky Balboa(Slyvester Stallone) spirit in my heart!!!

[@superlast]

Yes, Derek's sound is more pure than Maynard's. He hits the high notes perfectly!

[@alexwhite2377]

Idk man it’s close...

[@Blomrutger]

I agree I've always found Derek sound to be fuller and it seems to have more feeling. Maynard is obviously awesome but always sounds a bit restrictive and pushed to me.

[@collettdave]

His are all pure sound no air wasted! Maynard had that unique sound that sometimes had a double buzz to it but there was no mistaking who was playing when you heard him!

[@mjd4174]

Yessir,, he was on top of it all the way through. His double B's are clean, strong and centered. Derek was as good as they get, RIP.

[@collettdave]

I like the comment about no air being wasted and how important that really is. Derek's sound was so pure and focused, it was all sound. My all time favorite is Doc Severinsen and how his sound was unmistakable just like Maynards as someone mentioned earlier. When you heard either of those two you knew who it was immediately. But Derek didn't seem to have that signature sound maybe because of all of his studio work. It was so locked in on every single note that they all sounded the same in every register. I had a teacher that used to try and help me get that consistent sound but to no avail. It was later on that I developed a better understanding and could appreciate how important that is🎺

[@linkdude64]

Wow! I'm making a new CD with various songs on it and the Rocky theme came to mind. I watched this movie a hundred times when it first came out on HBO...I was a young teenager. Needless to say, this film moved me, and the song is so inspiring. Anyway, I thought I'd try to find full orchestras, live, doing this song. After FIFTEEN different versions, I finally found this one, the best one, BY FAR. The musicians were "mature". They seemed to know what an impact this song had on people. And you can tell by their end product how much sincere practice they put into this. Thank you!!

[@fctrumpet]

I hope you viewed Al Hirt's version which has a great solo.

[@juanmanuelmartínezchávez431]

Felicidades a todos los músicos incluyendo el director de Orquesta! Felicidades a los trompetistas que han dado elegancia exquisita al tema!Gracias!¿Donde estáis ahora?

[@aditya1234bharadwa]

Rocky running is synonymous with this music. One of the best shots ever.

[@willyguill777]

Derek Watkins has also played key roles in many film scores, including Mission Impossible, The Mummy, Basic Instinct, Indiana Jones, Gladiator, Johnny English, Superman 1 & 2, Bridget Jones Diary and Chicago, where his trumpet solo opens the movie.

[@prestonrcasey]

First witnessed this my sophomore year of high school, and that trumpet solo was something.

[@Mrmariorey1]

Tremenda versión, mas estilizada y moderna, me encanta. What at nice version I like so much than others

[@soldadoblanco80]

Tiene también su mérito que hagan arreglos "de quien honor merece"... Bill Conti. Saludos cordiales...

[@dispatcherman]

Phenomenal! As a trombone player I would have loved to have been a part of THAT!!!!

[@brianacastaneda7236]

those trumpet players tho 💗💗💗💗👌👌👌👌

[@xXTrumpetGuyXx]

That high trumpet note gave me goosebumps :)

[@jailtonalexandre14]

Música de qualidade...👏👏👏👏

[@TrumpetSoldier2010]

Those guys on trumpet were clean and up in the hemisphere. Gotta love that

[@thiagowiker7]

Que saudades do tempo que tocava trompete... Ah se tivesse um agudo como esse...

[@petermorris8475]

Great stuff from a great orchestra

[@angheloglock1626]

EPICOOO ¡¡¡ UN HIMNO PARA LOS AMANTES DEL BOXX Y COMO NO DE LA GERAN PELICULA QUE HIZO EL SEÑOR SILVERTER STALLONE QUEDARA PARA LA HISTORIA , BUENA MUSICA PARA SALIR A CORRER POR LAS MAÑANAS QUE VIVA EL DEPORTE, QUE VIVA EL BOX , QUE VIVA ROCKY POR SIEMPRE

[@fctrumpet]

Awesome job mates! RIP Derek. Thanks for the magic Herr Last!

[@ocaradosquadrinhos2064]

Were you there?

[@fctrumpet]

Wish.

[@gvillegas492]

This is amazing. Especially the trumpeter

[@onorid]

Taylor David Sadly the trumpet player (Derek Watkins - Super C) is no longer with us along with a few others in the band! Ron McWhirter

[@tutorialesmusica7356]

This is the best interpretation of this piece. Immortals. 2022

[@comprehensiveboycomprehens8786]

As a trumpet player let me tell you that almost nobody can play like that.

[@Whytywhyte]

LULZ then you are a really bad trumpet player

[@jacobabrams5854]

SniffelDe nah dud thats some ultra high notes most people should be hitting high cs thats average

[@barrybbensonx5613]

SniffelDe stfu you probably can’t even hit low notes

[@alexwhite2377]

Comprehensiveboy Comprehensiveboy I just played the first solo, (I’m 14)

[@scotconnolly1188]

@@alexwhite2377 lets hear it then. Trumpet is all about tone...

[@CitizenKate]

Nice, clean playing by Derek Watkins! Good, solid embouchure. Surprised we didn't hear more of him during this period.

[@dustinjonesguitarist]

This was the era of congas, bell bottoms, orchestras with drummers, the tough guys had switchblades and dobermans and drove Trans Ams!

[@Shane07752]

Every single time I listen to this piece from James Last Orchestra I have to listen more in another words it's a drug.

[@jarrodconnolly4004]

So far Derek Watkins is the only trumpet player I have seen that can cleanly and strongly hit the b flat at the very end of the song in a LIVE performance. All the other seem to lose steam.

[@lbird2]

It's a B natural and there are a lot of guys who have that in their arsenal like Eric Miyashiro, Walter White, Wayne Bergeron, Patrick Hession just to name a few BUT THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER MAYNARD! That being said, this is an amazing performance from Derek.

[@marcoslouredo1238]

Luther Bird who's Maynard???

[@edwatts9890]

@@lbird2: Don't forget James Morrison. And Tofanelli!

[@Forcef2]

not only did he hit the high notes he made them sound great too!!!

[@beatsacrosstexas]

Just an awesome video. YES BETTER THAN THE MOVIE'S SOUND TRACK!

[@brunogames7313]

5 anos já

[@joelegand1035]

I agree

[@Slumppy]

That's actually the soundtrack of Rocky III (yes, they are different).

[@neylonmarkis]

Truer

[@firestriker3580]

Not better than the movie soundtrack

[@Panosnaval7]

God bless these musicians!!!

[@dtaleghani]

so funny to me " people may find this cheezy" LMFAO... this is when you you had to have a real talent to record, perform and sell music....enough said.

[@LG-ut9fp]

Sevemiestro #1 very true

[@guybroughton8572]

I've been a trumpet player for many years and this performance works just fine for me.

[@paulfurtado7590]

Rocky....so much more than a boxing movie

[@loveistruth5713]

My grandson is taking trumpet. I think I will send him this clip to encourage him

[@Joaomarquesisraelribeiro]

Amei ....Demais

[@AQSAPAL]

NAILED IT !!

[@bendog7311]

awesomness!!!!

[@graceyang9607]

i wonder if you could ever do that...

[@bendog7311]

u wonder

[@graceyang9607]

yep

[@jaquintela]

Everytime I watch this I just keep smiling. They were felling great playing it and I feel great watching it. Thanks for sharing 👍

[@superlast]

Possibly 1979 or thereabouts.

[@sorin-jacklapadus8879]

👍

[@sk8erboy618]

the solos were about the best i seen on youtube yet

[@MrAwesomeSwagg]

2:22 The guy is like oh yeah

[@sailerbrosband]

Impressive Performance of this EPIC Rocky Theme

[@superlast]

Now, everyone - to settle this once and for all, they are CONGAS! Bongos are usually no more than 10 inches in height.

[@haitang]

This band rounds up famous tunes with no sharp edges just liked great perfumery. Awesome 👍👍💚💚👍👍💚💚👍👍👍👍

[@edisondias6324]

maravilhoso

[@GregLondon]

This is a very clean played version of the Rocky melody. I enjoyed this very much.

[@Chowbizful]

someone has a delorean to go back to the 70's plz ?

[@MartinPradoGuerra]

Take the keys🔑 But bring me back the car in 2020 please Heyyyy!!!!! and.. 🚐🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Have a nice travel!

[@mktuputamadre2472]

Best decade EVER.

[@Lvatopesado]

I do but doesn't run the piece of shit.

[@123censo]

god!!! i run outta breathe just watchin those dudes play the trumpet... just awesome.. :D

[@gkmaia38]

I could see zach galifianakis on 0:13. Quite impressive skills! LOL!

[@Stevieraylittlewing]

Wow! It's made my day to hear this - I'm guessing they all must have watched Rocky to gear up for this adrenaline fueled performance! - it's got a real unhinged quality about it. Just a thought; it would be so interesting to hear how Tony Peluso, the amazing guitarist who played on The Carpenter's Goodbye To Love, would handle this; I think the guitarist here must have heard Tony's playing to play like this. Just wonderful.

[@MrTommyUdo]

I see they used Lawrence Welk's wardrobe designer.

[@Theblackhawk90]

IF only I could have played it that well. Kind of gives me chills

[@daveramos8423]

2024 anyone still screaming 🎺

[@soulfire2588]

Best version of this song I've ever heard.

[@benjaminelwell3931]

2020 anyone?

[@climbers100]

Congratulations. Only the best will be immortalized

[@rodneyzigler6468]

He can get HIGH!!!!

[@Bruhmoment69_420]

how does he do it?

[@charlesterrizzi8311]

Compression and airflow and no he is not pressing hard. Look at the way he plays, no way in the world could he play like that pressing hard. There's a guy named Pops Mclaughlin that lays a lot out in his web site. Everyone always says "you have to play with air and not pressure" but it's hard to understand. Pops lays it out pretty clearly.