Saxophonist Bobby Watson studied formally at the University of Miami, and then moved to New York where he became a member of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, one of the most important groups in the history of jazz. He later formed Horizon, the quintessential contemporary hard bop quintet of the 1980s and ’90s. Known for his extraordinary ability to play swing, hard bop, and contemporary jazz, Watson has appeared at every major venue and jazz festival worldwide and has recorded more than one hundred albums as a leader, sideman, or guest artist.
He is one of the most gifted and prolific composers of his generation (with more than one hundred recorded compositions to his credit) and is the recipient of numerous national and international awards and citations, including being named #1 Alto Sax Player and Musician of the Year in DownBeat Magazine’s Critics Poll. Besides being an internationally acclaimed performer and composer, Watson is an esteemed jazz educator and enjoys working with up-and-coming young jazz artists. He serves as Professor Emeritus of Jazz Studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and presents jazz workshops around the globe. His latest album, Keepin’ it Real (Smoke Session Records, 2020), has received critical acclaim.