Hamptons JazzFest presents the Bobby Watson Quartet at the Masonic Temple in Sag Harbor — an evening of straight-ahead jazz led by one of the defining alto saxophonists to emerge from the Art Blakey era.
A multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist, composer, arranger, and educator, Watson grew up in Kansas City, Kansas, and trained formally at the University of Miami, where his fellow students included Pat Metheny, Jaco Pastorius, and Bruce Hornsby. From 1977 to 1981 he served as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers — the legendary hard bop ensemble known as the ‘University of Blakey’ — contributing to more than a dozen recordings and helping to shape the sound of the group during one of its most celebrated periods.
Following his time with the Messengers, Watson became one of the most sought-after musicians in jazz, working with Max Roach, George Coleman, Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Betty Carter, and Lou Rawls. He went on to lead his own acclaimed ensemble Horizon, recording for Blue Note and Columbia, and has released more than 30 albums as a leader across his career.
