Jazz Beat: Bobby Watson Quartet, featuring Curtis Lundy, at the Folly Theater

The Folly Theater kicks off the 34th season of its jazz series with one of today’s most renowned alto saxophonists and jazz composers: Kansas City’s own Bobby Watson, a musician who performs on stages worldwide. Watson is director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance, and occasionally he’s found jamming in a local club — perhaps with former students. But seeing him showcased with his own ensemble, opening his hometown’s premier jazz series, is special. Watson’s compositions build with intelligence. His solos dart and weave with imagination and originality. Joining him at the Folly: Grammy-nominated Curtis Lundy, his longtime musical companion, on bass; Richard Johnson on piano; and Eric Kennedy on drums.