REVIEWS

NIGHT JOURNEY (Wingert-Jones, Grade 3): "This composition is a programmatic piece describing a nocturnal train ride through a stark and darkened landscape. It is easy to feel the building energy of the locomotive...There is a Native American flavor to the melodic content that also has blues and jazz references."

--John Villella, PMEA News, Spring 2012

LION OF IRELAND (Alfred, grade 2.5): "This colorful piece is based upon...Brian Boru's March. The original theme statement displays a bouncy 6/8 rendition of the modal melody. Once this is introduced, the work moves into free development of original material that displays traces of the folk tune. Much of the writing explores woodwind textures with the low brass making significant contributions."

--Charles R. Groeling, The Instrumentalist, March 2012

JAMAICA ME CRAZY (Alfred, Grade 1.5): "...delightful Caribbean piece. The syncopated melody is fun to play and an easy way to develop good confidence with syncopation for young musicians."

--John Villella, PMEA News, Winter 2011

TU UNGANE (Alfred, Grade 2): "Excellent melodic material and cool rhythmic grooves makes this a fun composition for musicians and audience alike."

--John Villella, PMEA News, Winter 2010

FANTASY ON AN OLD ENGLISH AIR (Shawnee/Hal Leonard, Grade 3.5): "...an outstanding instrumental fantasia on the 18th-century tune, 'Drink to Me Only With Thine Eyes.' The beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies use a variety of dynamics. The piece...has numerous opportunities for expressive playing."

--Mark Hosler, The Instrumentalists, March 2004

CONCERTO FOR TRUMPET AND ORCHESTRA: "....invigorating."

--Peter Burwasser, The Philadelphia City Paper, October 25, 2001

HYMN AND DECLARATION: "Watson exhibited a great deal of skill in managing the resources of the orchestra. He knew how to produce interesting sounds....in the context of a very well-crafted piece......he will very likely become a force to be reckoned with."

--Philip A. Metzger, The Morning Call, April 12, 2000

CONCERTO FOR TRUMPET AND ORCHESTRA: "....a distinctive composition that should prove challenging and absorbing for the performers, as well as interesting and captivating for the audience."

--Randy Grabowski, International Trumpet Guild Journal, January 2000

FANTASY ON AN OLD ENGLISH AIR (Shawnee/Hal Leonard, Grade 3.5): "Watson skillfully transforms his zest for life into his own brand of unique musical exuberance. His scoring for winds, brass, and percussion is excellent."

--Kenneth Laudermilch, PMEA News, September 1998

DARK CHASE (Trillenium): "....written with supreme craft......Dark Chase is an excellent opener or an exiting show-piece in the center of a concert. Percussion ensemble conductors and performing musicians will find time spent on this piece very rewarding. A published edition will serve the musical community well."

--Cort McClaren, Percussive Notes, April 1993

AESOP'S FABLES (Alfred, Grade 4.5): "What a sheer delight ......Watson has taken four familiar episodes and brought them to life with narrator and a large wind ensemble instrumentation.......storylines and imaginitive musical interplay captivate children and adults alike. It is without a doubt the finest programmatic/narrative that we've ever come across for band. FOUR STARS!"

--Kenneth Laudermilch, PMEA News, November 1993