Grammy Winning saxophonist shares the stage with LBCC’s Big Band at DiPiazza’s

Walking into DiPiazza’s restaurant that was filled with students having their end of the year celebration, rhythm took over as Jazz music was played by LBCC students alongside two time Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts on Dec. 11. 

Watts is a towering figure that many students described as a staple in the Los Angeles Jazz scene and his career spans decades of recordings and collaborations with other respected artists like Marvin Gaye and Frank Zappa. 

He joined the students’ ensemble for an evening of equal parts professional experience and jazz education. 

^{Two-time Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, left, performs with Jacqueline Iginiamre, right, a base player for one of LBCC’s jazz combos, during LBCC’s Jazz Night event on Dec. 11 at DiPiazza’s restaurant in Long Beach, California. Iginiamre’s facial expression demonstrates the intensity of this performance, and 
the engagement of both Iginiamre and Watts is demonstrated in both of their concentrated expressions. (Isaiah Ryan)}

“It’s interesting to see how much he knows and how much he can teach, even in just 20 minutes of rehearsal. He can really help you a lot. He’s someone who’s so experienced, so playing with him was a big deal,” Jacqueline Iginiamre, a base player for one of LBCC’s jazz combos said. 

Iginiamre, who has played bass since childhood, said Watts presence on stage sharpened her awareness as a musician. 

“You could really tell that he was listening to everyone. Seeing that made me lock in more. I realized I have to listen too,” Iginiamre said. 

The setting at DiPiazza’s created an up-close experience where students and audience members alike could witness the difference between Watts’ individual sound and his deep engagement with the ensemble.

The overall performance was a mix of mellow sounds, a lot of bass and expressive high and low tones with the changes conveying emotions ranging from calmness to moments where people were clapping. 

Patrick Sheng, Director of Instrumental Jazz Studies at Long Beach City College, emphasized the importance of exposing students to professional artists at this level.

“All the musicians are just trying to become professional musicians. How do you become a professional musician? With other professionals. You get first-hand exposure.” Sheng said. 

For Watts, that exchange between generations is what he strives to get out of events like this. 

“I think it’s very important for us to share our music and pass it along. That’s what keeps the music alive, a person like me sharing with a younger person and handing it on to the next generation.” Watts said.

The evening was the result of a long-standing relationship between Watts and Sheng.

“I went to one of Ernie’s gigs at the Baked Potato because I’m a big fan. Just chit-chatting with him and his wife, Patricia, they said, ‘Hey, would you like us to come work with the students again?’ I was like, ‘That’s amazing. Yes, please.’” Sheng said. 

While guest artists typically visit LBCC in the spring semester, this collaboration marked a rare fall appearance. 

Watts, who participates in these sort of collaborations across the country, described these appearances as “special things” rather than routine events. He believes students gain something invaluable from witnessing what dedication to the craft can achieve.

“I think it’s to know and to learn and to witness the potential of this music. You have to work. You can’t get results unless you do the work. But if you do the work, things happen.” Watts said.

During the performance, Watts could be seen watching students closely as they took solos; listening, nodding, and responding musically with his own instrument in real time. He would match the energy that students performed with acknowledging their presence. 

^{Frank Andrade lead trumpeter for LBCC’s Big Band, center, performing alongside two-time Grammy winning saxophonist Ernie Watts, right, at LBCC’s Jazz Night event on Dec. 11 that took place inside the restaurant DiPiazza’s in Long Beach, California. Andrade and Watts were seen feeding off each others energy on stage, and Andrade expressed what a sureal moment it was for him to be playing with such a renowned artist like Watts. (Isaiah Ryan)}

“Everybody has their own voice. In this music, everybody has a different, unique voice.” Watts said.