Bobby Watson & Horizon - The Inventor (Blue Note, 1990)

This post is by Scott and Dan

Bobby Watson (as); Willie Williams (ts); Melton Mustafa (tr); Benny Green (p); Edward Simon (p, synth); Carroll V. Dashiell Jr. (b); Victor Lewis (d); Don Alias (perc)

Recorded in June 1989

After establishing himself in the late 70s with solo albums and a stint with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, altoist Bobby Watson took on the role of band leader. His group Horizon made three memorable Blue Note albums between 1988 and 1991: No Question About It, The Inventor, and Post-Motown Bop. These were followed by Present Tense (Columbia, 1992) and Horizon Reassembled (Palmetto, 2004). 

There is a marvelous consistency across all of these albums that reflects the leader's vision and overall positive outlook. These are hard-driving, joyful albums that are reminiscent of post-bop albums of the 1960s. The tunes on The Inventor are mostly composed by Watson (5 of 8), and the others by drummer Victor Lewis (2) and trumpeter Melton Mustafa (1). The lineup varies across the program with Willie Williams, Benny Green, and Don Alias performing as "guests" on a few cuts. 

As he approaches his 70th birthday later this year, Watson remains active with several recent recordings for the Smoke Sessions label. We have been fans throughout his long career, as our earlier review of Love Remains (Red, 1987) attests. His composing, producing, bandleading, and of course his playing, have all made significant contributions to the music we celebrate. Horizon is a key band of the 1980s and The Inventor is our favorite of the lot.