Results for "Bobby Watson"

Bobby Watson

A saxophonist, composer, arranger and educator, Bobby Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kan. He trained formally at the University of Miami, a school with a distinguished and well-respected jazz program. After graduating, he proceeded to earn his "doctorate" – on the bandstand – as musical director of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. The group, created in 1955 by late legendary drummer who died in 1990, showcased a rotating cast of players, many who, like Watson, would go on to have substantial careers as bandleaders in their own right. The Jazz Messengers – frequently referred to as the "University of Blakey" – served as the ultimate "postgraduate school" for ambitious young players. After completing a four-year-plus Jazz Messengers tenure (1977-1981) that incorporated more than a dozen recordings – the most of any of the great Jazz Messengers, the gifted Watson became a much-sought after musician, working along the way with a potpourri of notable artists – peers, elder statesmen and colleagues all — including, but not limited to: drummers Max Roach and Louis Hayes, fellow saxophonists George Coleman and a younger Branford Marsalis, celebrated multi-instrumentalist Sam Rivers and trumpeter Wynton Marsalis (who joined the Jazz Messengers at least in part at the suggestion of Watson)

Jammin' With KC

By SYLWESTER OSTROWSKI

Label: Agora Records
Released: 2020
Track listing: Burnt Ends; Burnt Ends Welcome to Kansas City; Sketches of Missouri; Donna Lee; Chiefs Kingdom; Dog's Ducks; Once in Omaha; Confirmation; Burnt Ends Key.

Chiefs Kingdom

By SYLWESTER OSTROWSKI

Label: Agora Music
Released: 2020

R.J. DeLuke's Best Releases of 2020

By R.J. DELUKE

Everyone knows how odd 2020 was. Nonetheless, artists around the globe put out some outstanding music as struggles to meet the new challenges continued. Creativity reigns supreme. There was a lot of music I didn't get to here, but here are some recordings that registered high marks. Joshua Redman, Brad Mehldau, Christian McBride ...

Sylwester Ostrowski: Jammin' With KC

By KYLE SIMPLER

Sylwester Ostrowski traveled from his native Poland to jny: Kansas City in February 2020 to participate in a centennial celebration of Charlie Parker's life and music. During the visit, Ostrowski visited Parker's childhood home, his grave, and other historical landmarks. He also sat in with some of Kansas City's finest jazz musicians at several local venues. ...

Edward Simon: 25 Years

By DAN MCCLENAGHAN

Pianist Edward Simon immigrated to the United States from his native Venezuela while still in his teens. He stayed, and carved out a successful career in music. His fiftieth birthday rolled around, and the artist decided it was time to take a look and listen back. In a musical journey that spans the titular 25 Years, ...

Jeff Rupert, Betty Carter, Gary Peacock and More

By JOE DIMINO

This week we focus on brand new material from artists that don't get the attention they deserve in the world of jazz. We begin with Jeff Rupert teamed up with the legendary George Garzone and make our way to trombonist Ryan Keberle. We profile new music from Polish saxophonist Sywester Ostrowski and Bobby Watson paying their ...