REVIEWS

FANTASY ON AN OLD ENGLISH AIR: "...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: "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: "....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: "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