Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Bobby Watson: The Gates BBQ Suite

Bobby Watson: The Gates BBQ Suite

By Mark F. Turner
November 18, 2010
View read count

An esteemed alto saxophonist, Bobby Watson serves up some "down to the bone" goodness in The Gates BBQ Suite. The seven-part suite for large ensemble features the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance Concert Jazz Orchestra, and is a heartfelt tribute to Watson's hometown of Kansas City—the people, the culture, and tastes, which includes the area's landmark Gates Barbecue restaurant.

Watson's big band masterwork epitomizes an illustrious career of more than 25 years, with notables from

Art Blakey

drums
1919 - 1990

" data-original-title="" title="">Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers to

Carlos Santana

guitar
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Carlos Santana and a number of impressionable recordings that have inspired younger leaders like

Orrin Evans

piano
b.1975

" data-original-title="" title="">Orrin Evans' Faith in Action (Posi-Tone Records, 2010). While his earlier, ambitious "The Afroism Suite" was commissioned by the Scottish Arts Council and performed in Glasgow, Scotland in the 1990s, The Gates BBQ Suite is Watson's self-produced "labor of love," and proves not only his ongoing alto prowess, but also his erudite skills as an arranger, composer, and educator.

In "May I Help You," the big brass offer a warm salutation before giving way to a swinging dance motif. Things fire up in "Beef on Bun," with steaming bop and swirling horns. Watson's spirited R&B vamp is the perfect complement to the Ellington-inspired phrasing on "Heavy on the Sauce!," punctuated by standout spots from Watson and trombonist Ben Saylor.

While the movements share a common imprint, there are autonomous ideas. "The President's Tray" is based on a popular Gates menu item that has been enjoyed by Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. The twist is that it opens with an African percussion processional—honoring the inauguration of President Barack Obama—before commencing a majestic tone with opulent horns, deep solos, and an enticing rhythm.

The final movement "Wilkes' BBQ," heard on Watson's 2008 Palmetto release, From the Heart , closes out the suite, its funky strutting bass vamp provided by Ben Leifer, with a downright delectable and equally soulful rhythm. Everything on this suite's menu is cooked to perfection.

Learn more about our star rating system

Track Listing

May I Help You?; Beef on Bun; Heavy on the Sauce!; Blues for Ollie; The President's Tray; One Minute Too Late!; Wilkes' BBQ.

Personnel

Bobby Watson

saxophone, alto

Bobby Watson: composer, arranger, conductor, alto saxophone; Ryan Sharp, Hermon Mehari, Aaron Linscheid, John Merlitz: trumpet; Michael Shults, Mario Bennett, William Sanders, Steven Lambert, Justin Bayne: reeds; Karen Zawacki, Ben Saylor, Eric Chapman, Sarah Braun: trombone; Nick Grinlinton: guitar; Will Crain: piano; Ben Leifer: bass; Ryan Lee: drums; Pablo Sanheuza, Pat Conway, Andres Ramirez: percussion (5); Roychelle Carter: greeting (1).

Album information

Title: The Gates BBQ Suite | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Lafiya Music

PREVIOUS / NEXT

John McLaughlin & The 4th Dimension:...
< Previous

Brettina
Next >

Support All About Jazz

All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who make it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

Go Ad Free!

To maintain our platform while developing new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity, we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination vastly improves your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.