Bobby Watson © Andera Canter

A saxophonist, composer, producer and educator, Bobby Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kansas. 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 Jazz Messengers, sometimes referred to as the “University of Blakey,” served as the ultimate “postgraduate school” for ambitious young players.

Bobby Watson, the immensely talented and now seasoned veteran has some 26 recordings as a leader. He appears on close to 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role for other like-minded musicians. Watson has recorded more than 100 original compositions and his long-time publisher, Second Floor Music, publishes many of his original combo and big band arrangements that circulate and are interpreted on an international scope by others. Bobby’s classic 1986 Red Records release, “Love Remains” has long been recognized by the “Penguin Guide to Jazz” with it’s highest rating and in the Penguin Guide’s seventh edition, it was identified as a part of its “core collection”, i.e. a “must-have” for any jazz aficionado along with other jazz masters such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Thelonius Monk, Duke Ellington and others.

Terell Stafford © Andrea Canter