By Alex Smith
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kcur/local-kcur-799700.mp3
Kansas City, MO – Nine years ago, when Kansas native son Bobby Watson returned the area from New York to head the UMKC jazz department, jazz fans had cause to celebrate. He's known even to casual listeners as one of the major figures of saxophone of the 25 years. But those who've followed his career carefully also recognize Bobby Watson as a master composer of the jazz orchestra. On Monday, December 1st, he presented the world premiere of his latest large-scale composition, The Gates Barbeque Suite. He told Alex Smith how the work came about.