Monville Charles Waters (April 14, 1938 – December 23, 2008), known as Monty Waters, was an American jazz saxophonist, flautist and singer.

Monty Waters at the Palmenhaus, Munich, Germany 1999.

Early life

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Monville Charles Waters was born in Modesto, California. He studied at Modesto High School where he was a member of the American football team and ran hurdles. After graduating from high school in 1956, he attended a year of junior college before moving to Los Angeles.[1]

Career

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While living in Los Angeles, Waters performed as a backing saxophonist for musicians including B.B. King, James Brown, Little Richard, and Fats Domino. He later moved to San Francisco seeking better opportunities for an R&B career, and started his own big band and quartet.[1]

In 1968, he left California for New York City. He later spoke of his surprise upon seeing the music scene there: "I'd never seen so many talented, hard-working, earnest people in my life. All the best were there. You really got to respect them".[1]

Discography

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As leader

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  • The Black Cat (Whynot, 1975)
  • Hot House: Live in Paris Duc de Lombards Vol. 1 (with Larry Porter, Stafford James, Ronnie Burrage)
  • New York Calling: Live in Paris Vol. 2 (with Larry Porter, Stafford James, Ronnie Burrage, Tom Nicholas)
  • Jazzoetry (with Paulo Cardoso and Tom Nicholas)
  • Monty Waters & Titus Waldenfels: Favourite Things
  • Monty Waters & Titus Waldenfels: Full Blast (with Jürgen Schneider)
  • Monty Waters & L'ubo Samo Quintet: Moonlight in Slovakia (with Titus Waldenfels)
  • Embryo : Turn Peace
  • Götz Tangerding Trio feat. Sheila Jordan : Jazztracks

As sideman

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With Billy Higgins

With Joe Lee Wilson

  • Shout for Trane (1976)

With Sam Rivers

With Ronnie Boykins

References

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  1. ^ a b c Herman, Fred (April 17, 1981). "Jazz: 'The kids love it'". The Modesto Bee. C1, C2. Retrieved July 6, 2024.
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