was initually a New York-based studio musician during the 1960s,
working and recording with Quincy Jones, Maynard Ferguson,
Johnny Richards, and Woody Herman;
playing in the television band for THE MERV GRIFFIN SHOW
(1965-1968); and working on the staff of CBS (1967-1969).
After playing with the jazz-rock group Ten Wheel Drive in 1971, Watrous led his own big band (the Manhattan Wildlife Refuge) during 1973-1977, recording two superb albums for Columbia. After moving to Los Angeles in the late '70s, Watrous continued working in the studios, appearing at jazz parties, playing in local clubs, and leading an occasional big band. He has recorded as a leader for Columbia, Famous Door, Soundwings, GNP Crescendo, and with his late-'90s big band for Double-Time.
(information courtesy of www.billwatrous.com)
Ingrid Croce & husband Jim Rock enjoy the special night at CROCE's.
In September 1973, that the world mourned the loss of singer, songwriter Jim Croce. Jim Croce died in a plane crash. He was only 30 years old.
Left behind were his wife, Ingrid and their baby boy, A.J.
In 1985 Ingrid Croce opened Croce's Restaurant and Jazz Bar as a tribute to her late husband. Ingrid Croce has combined her memories of Jim Croce and her recipes in a book titled, "Thyme In A Bottle: Memories And Recipes From Croce's Restaurant", (Harper/Collins Books).
"You must have this in your collection in order to be called a true lover of jazz. It shall NOT grow dusty on your shelf; you will spin this over and over again!
We have met Gary Lefebvre on some of his gigs around San Diego--what a gentleman! You will want to call him a friend for life. Any venue would be lucky to book this legend."
