Multi-Grammy-nominated jazz alto saxophonist, composer, bandleader and educator Bobby Watson is a big sports fan and expects his Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl in Arizona.
Watson, often referred to as "The Jazz Mayor of Kansas City", joined SportsJam with Doug Doyle to talk about his love for the Chiefs, Kansas Jayhawks basketball and the legendary Kansas City Monarchs, the longest-running franchise in the history of baseball's Negro leagues.
Donning his Monarchs hat, Watson has been impressed with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who clearly won this year's Associated Press MVP Award.
"It all started with the Chiefs snatching Patrick Mahomes (first round 2017 NFL draft) because they had been watching him since he was in college. He's a generational talent."
Watson says Mahomes reminds him of a jazz musician because of his improvisational skills and the ability to make something out of nothing on the field.
"He always brings something amazing to every game he plays. You're going to get some type of highlight. Even that Super Bowl he lost, there's that iconic picture of him, parallel with him in the air throwing. A lot of people are picking up on what he's doing. I think he's very transformative for the game and fore the position of quarterback. It all started with Michael Vick and RG III, we're pretty excited about it."
The saxophonist agrees the chemistry between Mahomes and his tight end Travis Kelce is like two musicians on stage, having confidence that their teammate will come through at the right time with a big play.
Watson also loves and respects Chiefs Coach Andy Reid.
"Andy is so understated. You don't realize the greatness of him. I'm still trying to figure it out. What is it about this guy? He's kind of like a bandleader. What is this guy's strength? How can I illuminate his strength to make him the best that he can be? He's kind of like a maestro and he figures out his cast of characters. What do they do best and how can I let them open up to be the best they can be?"
Bobby Watson knows all about great leaders. He trained formally at the University of Miami and then, from 1977-1981, earned his “doctorate” as musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. During his four-plus years with the legendary drummer, the saxophonist contributed to 14 Jazz Messengers recordings — more than anyone else in the group’s 35-year (1955-1990) storied history.
The Bobby Watson Quintet "Back Home in Kansas City record release party will take place at Smoke in New York City on Thursday March 23 through Sunday March 26. The quintet features:
Bobby Watson – alto saxophone
Wallace Roney Jr. – trumpet
Cyrus Chestnut – piano
Curtis Lundy – bass
Victor Jones – drums
You can SEE the entire SportsJam with Doug Doyle interview with Bobby Watson here.
