Jazz Articles about Bobby Watson

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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) ...

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 ...

Bobby Watson And Tailor Made: Tokyo Leaders Big Band Live At Someday In Tokyo

by John Killoch
October 1, 2001

I believe it was at the Monterey Jazz Festival some years ago, when a Japanese Big Band exploded on the scene. A comment was posted somewhere " My God they are doing to our music what they did to our cars". The impact was great, around that time, some wonderful Japanese big bands assaulted our conciousness on imported, beautifully produced and expensive LPs. Then it went quiet. Well, the wound has been opened up by the Tokyo Leaders ...

Bobby Watson: Live at "Someday" in Tokyo

by Dave Nathan
February 1, 2001

Japanese musicians. It's nice to report that not only was this a good idea, but so was the outcome. This is an exciting session that will keep your toe tapping and heart thumping throughout the entire 70 minutes of music. All but one of the compositions are by Bobby Watson--"Ms. B.C." was written by Pamela Watson--- some of which he wrote during his tour with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Appreciating the dynamics of the group is vital to appreciating what ...