Eric Watson (musician)

Eric Watson ( born July 5, 1955) is an American jazz pianist.

After studying at the " Oberlin College " ( classical piano, composition and jazz improvisation ) Watson went as a companion to a dance company in Paris. 1982 have already created a trio album with Paul Motian and Ed Schuller ( " Conspiracy " ), and soon after two solo albums. During this time, the long and fruitful collaboration began with bassist John Lindberg. Her duo was later expanded with Albert Mangelsdorff and Ed Thigpen for trio and quartet. Watson played also duets with Steve Lacy, with Linda Sharrock and Joëlle Léandre with ( palimpsests, 1991). From a trio with Mark Dresser and Ed Thigpen ( "Silent Hearts", 1998) evolved out the "Full Metal Quartet " (1999 /2000) with saxophonist Bennie Wallace. 2003 and 2005 he performed in Europe, Asia and Australia with Christof Lauer.

Despite the long time in Europe, Watson was music in the American tradition rooted: polytonality, clusters, unusual rhythms and complex issues construction distinguish his compositions. He has written both in the field of jazz (such as " Martial Arts" ( 1986) for Martial Solal and the Orchestre National de Jazz ) as well as in the field of classical chamber music (" Bénévoles " for the Australian violinist Jane Peters).

Innovators of jazz piano as Lennie Tristano, Mal Waldron, Elmo Hope, Herbie Nichols and Paul Bley left in his game tracks. Watson is also valued as an interpreter of the piano works of Charles Ives. In addition, he also works as a contract composer for theater and ballet productions and since 2001 as head of the renowned jazz festivals of La Villette (Paris). Him the title of " Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres " was awarded in 2003.

• Jazz Pianist
• Composer (Jazz)
• Composer of classical music ( 20th century)
• Carrier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres ( Knight )
• American musician
• Born in 1955
• Man