Jazz Articles about Bobby Watson

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Bobby Watson and Horizon: Horizon Reassembled

by John Kelman
June 22, 2004

Bobby Watson is not a new name to the scene. With a résumé that includes tenure with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers in the early ‘80s, as well as various ensembles led by Wynton Marsalis, his robust alto sound has been well represented on over a hundred albums as a guest and nearly twenty-five recordings as a leader. But it is arguably with his mid-‘90s group, Horizon, where he made his most compelling statement. Ten years after the last recording with ...

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Bobby Watson

by AAJ Staff
March 7, 2004

In 1977, quite a few eyebrows were raised when drummer Art Blakey, the nurturer of many jazz greats, started touting the country kid in overalls with the alto saxophone as his latest great discovery. Eyebrows remained up in amazement as Bobby Watson let loose with a Parkeresque run of notes. Watson's sweet, full tone evokes both memories of Johnny Hodges and the blues-tinged beauty of the church music Watson played as a child. Since those early days as a Jazz ...

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Bobby Watson's Kansas City Big Band: Part 2-2

by Christopher Burnett
October 25, 2003

By Chris Burnett

The focus of this particular musing is an interview with Bobby Watson about his motivation to serve as the director of “The 18th and Vine Big Band", a new big band in Kansas City. This is the second part of a 2-Part feature article where Part 1 introduces readers to Bobby Watson, his music and teaching activities, by way of his biographical narrative. This segment is primarily our discussion about the band and their debut performance at ...

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Bobby Watson's Kansas City Big Band: Part 1-2

by Christopher Burnett
October 2, 2003

By Chris Burnett

The subject of this particular musing is the extraordinary musician, Bobby Watson. He is indeed one among the premiere American musicians and jazz educators today. His return to the Kansas City area to teach the Jazz Studies Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music also emphasizes Professor Watson's noble commitment to share his vast knowledge and experience with future generations of jazz musicians. Yes, Bobby Watson has formed a Big Band ...

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Bobby Watson: Live & Learn

by David A. Orthmann
August 21, 2002

Alto and soprano saxophonist Bobby Watson’s Live & Learn (Palmetto) is a well-produced recording that speaks to diverse audiences while avoiding condescension and compromise. The tracks are short (only one over seven minutes), relatively easy to digest, and the solos by Watson, pianist Orrin Evans, and guitarist Gregg Skaff do not approach marathon length. Three cuts—“We Fall Down,” “Live & Learn,” and “Landmarks Lost”--would make interesting additions to a smooth jazz radio playlist. Each of them transcends the category of ...

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Bobby Watson: Live & Learn

by Glenn Astarita
August 2, 2002

Alto saxophonist Bobby Watson first gained prominence during his tenure with Art Blakey’s “Jazz Messengers.” In addition, the artist served as Blakey’s musical director, while quickly establishing himself as one of the premiere altoists in modern jazz. Further substantiated by a few brilliant, early-mid 90’s outings featuring his “Horizon,” outfit and his work for the Italy based “Red Records,” label.

With this release, the artist rekindles his association with bassist Curtis Lundy along with Gregg Skaff (guitar) ...

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Bobby Watson: Live and Learn

by C. Michael Bailey
June 14, 2002

The finest alto saxophonist alive??

Alto saxophonist Bobby Watson scored an appointment as The William and Mary Grant/Missouri Professor of Jazz endowed chair at the University of Missouri, Kansas City Conservatory of Music. He released a recording on City Light Records ( Old Friends--New Point ) and now he debuts on Palmetto with a new quintet on Live and Learn. Mr. Watson, one of the most underrated players in jazz, has been busy. After a nice run with the Italian ...