This week, JazzArts Charlotte and Curtis Davenport welcomes the legendary Bobby Watson, Musical Director of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers. We’ll talk about his amazing career and his new album “Keepin’ It Real.”

Tune in every other Tuesday night to discover outstanding musicians, past and present, regional and international. Our interactive events are a chance for you to engage with the artists who are usually up on the stage.

Registration required for Zoom attendance – register here.  You can also watch on Facebook Live by going to our Facebook page at the time of the event.  If you have registered for prior Conversations with Curtis, you can use your zoom link for the entire series and do not need to reregister.

Bobby Watson, Saxophonist, Arranger & Educator

Bobby Watson describes his “doctorate” on the bandstand, as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. After four years and over a dozen records, the gifted Watson became a much-sought after musician, working with notable artists such as Max Roach, George Coleman, Sam Rivers and both Branford and Wynton Marsalis, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, and many more. Watson launched the first edition of Horizon, an acoustic quintet considered as one of the preeminent small groups of the mid-1980s to mid-1990s. Watson led the GRAMMY-nominated 16-piece, large ensemble Tailor Made Big Band. A seasoned veteran, Watkins has issued some 30 recordings as a leader, recorded 100 original compositions including the music for the soundtrack of A Bronx Tale and several now considered jazz standards. His track record as an educator are equally extensive. For ten years, Bobby Watson attracts many of the most gifted aspiring musicians to the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.