The Philadelphia Clef Club graces the Delaware Valley jazz aficionado with a performance by internationally known living legend, Bobby Watson. On Saturday, May 1, 2010, the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz, located at 736 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, welcomes the Bobby Watson Quartet for two shows: 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM, hosted by Jeff Duperon from WRTI radio.
Bobby Watson, saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator, trained formally at the University of Miami. After graduating, he went on to perform with the Art Blakey Jazz Messengers. Eventually Watson became the group’s music director. After completing his tenure as a Jazz Messenger, the gifted Watson became a much sought after musician. He worked with distinguished musicians such as, Max Roach, George Coleman, Branford Marsalis, Curtis Lundy, Sam Rivers, and Wynton Marsalis, just to mention a few.
The exceptionally talented Watson has 26 recordings as a leader. Bobby appears on approximately 100 other recordings and has recorded more than 100 original compositions. Watson also wrote original music for the sound track of “A Bronx Tale,” directed by Robert DeNiro. For the past six years, Bobby Watson has served as the director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri/Kansas City, Conservatory of Music.
Curtis Lundy, a bassist, who embodies the living history of jazz, will join Bobby. Curtis has worked with many noted musicians, such as Art Blakey, Betty Carter, John Hicks, Sam Rivers, Pharoah Sanders, Wynton Marsalis, Louis Hayes, and Clark Terry to mention a few. Lundy, who is approaching his fifth decade as part of the New York jazz scene, continues to be recognized as one of the most spiritually uplifting bassists today.
Orrin Evans, who will be on piano, grew up in Philadelphia tickling the ivories under the tutelage of Trudy Pitts, Shirley Scott, Mickey Roker, and Sid Simmons. In 1996, Evans moved to New York and was invited to tour with Bobby Watson. Orrin is performing and recording resume includes well-known musicians such as, Wallace Roney, Mos Def, Carmen Lundy, Roy Hargrove and Branford Marsalis. The New York Times described Orrin as “…a poised artist with an impressive template of ideas at his commands…”
The prodigy of percussion, Eric Kennedy, on drums, rounds out the Bobby Watson Quartet. Eric is a vessel of jazz bringing forth tones and flavors to the music derived from his Baltimore heritage.
Jeff Duperon of WRTI radio invites you to this special evening for the recording of “The Bobby Watson Quartet Live at The Clef Club”. Denise King will join Bobby to perform during the second show. Following the second show, an after party will be held in honor of Denise King. Add your eminence to the event by purchasing tickets at www.clefclub.org. For more information and additional ticket, locations call 215-893-9912.
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