Born: August 24, 1971 Primary Instrument: Trombone
Reggie Watkins was born and raised in West Virginia and has played trombone for eighteen years. After attending West Virginia University for Jazz Performance he moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to become a staple on the music scene. There he began playing and recording with various groups such as The Roger Humphries Big Band, The Kevin Frieson Ensemble, Dr. Zoot, and many others. In 1999 Watkins joined Maynard Ferguson as Trombonist, Musical Director, and Arranger for the legendary jazz trumpet player. On the road with Ferguson, Watkins has performed thousands of gigs and educational workshops worldwide and as a result has a strong fan base. Reggie is featured as Trombonist and Arranger on the 2001 Maynard Ferguson/Diane Schuur release 'Swingin For Schuur'. In 2003 Reggie was selected as one of only eleven semi-finalists chosen to perform at the prestigious 2003 Thelonious Monk Institute International Jazz Competition in Washington D.C. There he performed with an all-star jazz group consisting of pianist Eric Reed, bassist Bob Hurst, and drummer Carl Allen. In 2004 Watkins released his first solo CD as Band Leader, Trombonist, Composer, Arranger, and Producer entitled A-LIST. The album features sixteen musicians, all original compositions and arrangements, and is part of The Maynard Ferguson Presents series. Reggie can be heard performing most often with Maynard Ferguson, The Temptations, and his group, The Reggie Watkins Band. Check out The Reggie Watkins Band on there forthcoming DVD, “Day One”, Live at Twins Jazz Club in Washington D.C., set for release in May 2006.
Primary Instrument:
Trombone
Location:
Austin, TX
Willing to teach:
Advanced students only.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Specializing in Clinics for Big Bands focusing on rehearsal techniques,
improvisation, and communication.
