Bobby Watson

Bobby Watson credits Art Blakey with showing him the ropes through the apprentice system, which included recruiting up-and-coming musicians, giving them advice, plus encouraging the younger players to write charts and originals for the band. Watson's Live & Learn band is such a format, a successor to his earlier on-again, off-again Horizon, with one former member back in the fold in bassist Curtis Lundy. The alto saxophonist has changed the format slightly, expanding his quintet to add vibes, played ably by Warren Wolf, with pianist Harold O'Neal, trumpeter Leron Thomas, and drummer Quincy Davis all showing promising signs of players who are likely to make lasting impressions on the jazz scene. Watson contributed six originals, including the hip, tasty riff tune "Wilkes BBQ," the perky "Deep Pockets," and the humorous Latin-flavored post-bop "Aye Caramba." O'Neal contributed the richly textured ballad "Purple Flowers" and the intricate "Timeless," while Wolf penned the lush "For Milt" (which is likely for the late vibraphonist Milt Jackson). Thomas' "Marcus Vein" provides an intense cooker to wrap this outstanding session. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide