By Frank Alkyer | Published April 2017
Alto saxophonist Bobby Watson has always been a thoughtful, honest and open musician. In his 63rd year, we can add “wise” to that description. His sagacity is on display with Made In America, his latest recording for Smoke Session Records. Watson displays that rarest ability to truly express not just feelings, but also full-fledged stories through his playing. On Made In America, he chooses to tell the stories of underappreciated black pioneers from all walks of life. “The Aviator ‘For Wendell Pruitt,’” serves as an ode to a Tuskegee Airman who was killed during a training exercise in 1945. “The Butterfly ‘For Butterfly McQueen,’” serves as a jazz-noir beauty in honor of the great actress best known for her role as Prissy in Gone With The Wind. “The Guitarist” bows toward Grant Green, the great jazz musician who influenced generations on the instrument. “I’ve Gottta Be Me” reminds us that Sammy Davis Jr. was much more than a Rat Pack sidekick. Watson considers the lyrics to that song near and dear to his personal journey through life, with no doubt that he “won’t give up this dream that keeps me alive.” Watson also penned “The G.O.A.T ‘For Sammy Davis Jr.’” because he considers Davis one of the greatest all-around performers in history. There are plenty of other terrific tributes on this record—we won’t mention them all here. Suffice it to say that all are played with Watson’s innate Kansas City soul and style and impeccable backing by the Curtis Lundy Trio, which features Lundy on bass, Stephen Scott on piano and Lewis Nash on drums. As a whole, Watson delivers a history lesson, a love letter and a casual masterpiece for generations to enjoy. It’s a wonderful listen.
