Jazz Beat: Bobby Watson Quartet, at the Broadway Jazz Club

With the stream of outstanding musicians graduating from UMKC’s Conservatory of Music and Dance, jazz studies director Bobby Watson has contributed more to KC’s jazz revival than probably anyone. Internationally, Watson is recognized as one of today’s great alto saxophonists, and he has always delivered consistently inventive arrangements — from his time with the legendary Art Blakey Jazz Messengers through his own renowned ensemble Horizon. In recent years, Watson has also led a big band and performed in festivals. Friday night at the Broadway Jazz Club, jazz enthusiasts can relish a far more intimate performance when Watson pulls together a quartet of KC jazz veterans for two shows. Backed by Chris Clarke on piano, James Ward on bass and Michael Warren on drums, this jazz master offers a rare chance to hear what he does best.