WATTS THIS?

CHARLIE WATTS ORCHESTRA LIVE AT FULHAM TOWN HALL. Columbia FC 40570.

If Charlie Watts had not had the financial resources that stem from being the drummer with the Rolling Stones, he would not have had a prayer of persuading someone to record this.

Two problems: First, the sound is atrocious. Fulham Town Hall could have been Shea Stadium; one suspects that rock ‘n’ roll engineers were on hand who had no experience in balancing a jazz ensemble. Second, the group (it’s 33 pieces weak) seems unmanageably big; what do you do with 10 saxophones, 11 brass, 3 percussion and 2 bassists?

If Watts had been wise, he might have split his self-indulgent trip into two bands, each 16 or 17 in size, and made two albums in a studio with some sense of sound balance. As it is, all that comes across is a farrago of ragged noises playing “Lester Leaps In,” “Flying Home” and the like, with a few good solos mixed among a greater number that are disorganized and disheveled.

One can only pity Alan Cohen, who arranged and conducted this disaster, and the sidemen who had nothing to gain but some fast bucks and the chance to give Watts’ ego a massage. There are two small-group cuts, one with two vibes players, the other two bassists. Though far from exceptional, at least they offer a few minutes of precious relief.

In an ironic touch, Watts is quoted in the notes as saying, “I bought the dream.” The results show that money alone can’t buy artistry; what emerged was a nightmare.