Friday, November 2, 2007
Bobby Watson: The Best of Kansas City
It's easy to take Bobby Watson for granted. The genial saxophonist has retained his Kansas City-style friendliness in spite of his status as one of the most respected artists in jazz. He's featured here with what appears to be a Russian student band. That's not surprising. Not only is Watson UMKC's director of jazz studies, he also travels the globe with the frequency of a Fortune 500 CEO. His solo commencing at the 2:25 mark is typical Watson. He opens with beautifully lyrical playing and gradually builds to an ostentatious but completely logical peak. Just because we get to hear this brilliance regularly in Kansas City doesn't make it any less extraordinary.
Not only is Bobby Watson one of the nicest musicians I have ever met, and I have met thousands, he is simply among the best at what he does. If someone asks me who my favorite living alto saxophonist is, Bobby Watson springs to mind first. I'd never take him for granted.
ReplyDeleteBill G O