Bobby Watson : From The Heart

Full title is: From the Heart

This 2008 release is the third recording by Bobby Watson on Palmetto. The immensely talented and now seasoned veteran has some 26 recordings as a leader. He appears on close to 100 other recordings as either co-leader or in a supporting role for other like-minded musicians. Bobby performed with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers from 1977 to 1981, eventually becoming the musical director for the group. The Jazz Messengers, sometimes referred to as the 'University of Blakey,' served as the ultimate 'postgraduate school' for ambitious young players. Bobby has done much the same as Blakey did with his band here on From The Heart. With the exception of the bassist Curtis Lundy, the players are all young and ambitious. Bobby is taking a sabbatical from his post as director of Jazz studies at the University of Missouri - Kansas City in order to tour this band.