Bill Watrous

Biography

Watrous' father, also a drummer, introduced him to the instrument at an early age. While serving in the U.S. Navy, Watrous studied with jazz pianist and composer Herbie Nichols. His first professional performances were in Billy Butterfield's band.

Watrous' career blossomed in the 1960s. He played and recorded with many jazz luminaries, including Maynard Ferguson, Woody Herman, Quincy Jones, Johnny Richards, and trombonist Kai Winding. He also played in the house band on the Merv Griffin Show from 1965–1968.

In 1971, he played with the jazz fusion group Ten Wheel Drive. Also in the 1970s, Watrous formed his own band, The Manhattan Wildlife Refuge Big Band, which recorded two albums for Columbia Records. The band was later renamed Refuge West when Watrous moved to southern California.

He has continued to work since the 1980s as a bandleader, studio musician, and performer at jazz clubs. In 1983, Watrous collaborated with Alan Raph to publish Trombonisms, an instructional manual covering performance techniques for trombone. He has recorded as a solo artist, bandleader, and in small ensembles. These recordings include a Japanese Import album in 2001 containing material recorded in 1984 with Carl Fontana, whom Watrous has cited as his favorite trombonist. He travels to San Diego periodically to play with his good friend and former student, Dave Scott, a noted jazz musician himself and TV broadcast host.

Watrous has resided in the Los Angeles, California, area since the late 1970s with his wife, Mary Ann. He is on the music faculty at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music.

As leader

As sideman

With Kenny Burrell

With Paul Desmond

With Maynard Ferguson

With Milton Nascimento

With Jimmy Witherspoon

With Red Rodney

With Arturo Sandoval

With Kai Winding

With Pennsbury Concert Jazz Band