Soul Eyes – 2020
Bobby Watson
A relaxed but inventive version of the Mal Waldron standard
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Bobby Watson has been a major alto-saxophonist in jazz since his period with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers (1977-81).
Since that time, he has led his quartet/quintet Horizon, worked with both the High Court Of Swing (a tribute to Johnny Hodges) and the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet, and since 2000 has been an educator at the University of Missouri.
In the 2020s, Watson remains at his musical prime, displaying a warm tone and a bluesy style while never being shy to stretch himself no matter what the setting.
For his version of Mal Waldron’s classic “Soul Eyes,” Bobby Watson is joined by vibraphonist Warren Wolf, pianist Victor Gould, bassist Curtis Lundy, and drummer Victor Jones.
The performance, which begins as a dialogue between Watson and Wolf, is taken at a relaxed pace and, while mostly a showcase for the leader, also has a strong statement from the vibraphonist.
-Scott Yanow
Stan Getz