Simon Mogul feat. Curtis Lundy & Bobby Watson
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026, 3:00 PM
Nashville Jazz Workshop
Join us on February 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM for an electrifying afternoon of jazz as tenor saxophonist Simon Mogul is joined by legendary bassist Curtis Lundy and an all-star band including Bobby Watson. Mogul, a rising voice on the New York jazz scene, blends a deep reverence for the tradition of John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins with contemporary influences from Hip Hop and R&B, delivering music that is both forward-thinking and rooted in history. His international acclaim and performances at top venues are matched perfectly by the commanding artistry of the legendary Curtis Lundy, shaped through decades of collaboration with jazz icons and leadership as a composer and bandleader. Together, this performance promises a powerful meeting of generations, artistry, and vision—an unmissable event for jazz lovers.
Simon Mogul is a 25-year-old Tenor Saxophonist originally from Miami (FL), currently residing in New York City. Simon's music fuses a respect and understanding of jazz's past (channeling saxophonists such as the great John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins) with modern genres, such as Hip Hop and R&B. Simon completed his first international tour in the Summer of 2022, touring South Africa, and playing sets of almost all original music. The tour was well received and was covered by South African national media. Simon's quintet was recently selected as finalists for internationally renowned competitions at the Bucharest Jazz Festival and the 7VJC Festival, for the summer of 2023. In his short time in New York City, Simon has already performed with NYC jazz luminaries such as Curtis Lundy, Matt Wilson, Arturo O'Farrill, Phillip Harper, Charu Suri, Pete Rodriguez, Stacy Dillard, Josh Evans, Mimi Jones, and more at venues such as Small's Jazz Club, Birdland, The Django, Minton's Playhouse, Nublu, and Cafe Bohemia.
Curtis Lundy is a distinguished American double bassist, composer, arranger, producer, and choir director whose commanding presence on the jazz scene has spanned decades. He first gained wide recognition anchoring the rhythm section for legendary vocalist Betty Carter, where his profound musicality and rhythmic mastery helped shape the sound of her ensemble. Lundy’s virtuosic bass work and deep understanding of jazz tradition have made him an in-demand collaborator with luminaries such as Art Blakey, Pharoah Sanders, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, and Johnny Griffin, while also appearing on a rich discography as both leader and sideman. As a bandleader he has released acclaimed albums including Just Be Yourself, Against All Odds, and Purpose, showcasing his lyrical voice and compositional depth. Beyond performance, his talents as a composer and arranger have influenced generations of musicians and brought his artistry to audiences around the world.
Bobby Watson is a legendary American jazz alto saxophonist, composer, producer, and educator whose career has spanned more than four decades. Born in Lawrence, Kansas, he trained at the University of Miami before moving to New York City, where he became musical director of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers from 1977 to 1981, contributing to more recordings with the group than any other member in its storied history. After his time with Blakey, Watson became a highly sought-after sideman and collaborator, performing with jazz greats such as Max Roach, George Coleman, Branford and Wynton Marsalis, and working with legendary vocalists including Joe Williams, Dianne Reeves, Lou Rawls, Betty Carter, and Carmen Lundy. In the 1980s and 1990s he led his acclaimed quintet Horizon, released numerous beloved recordings, and also fronted innovative ensembles like the High Court of Swing, the Tailor-Made Big Band, and the 29th Street Saxophone Quartet. Watson’s compositions include music for the film A Bronx Tale and more than 100 original works recorded by others, establishing him as a significant voice in modern jazz. Beyond performance, he has shaped generations of musicians through teaching roles at William Paterson University, the Manhattan School of Music, and as director of jazz studies at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. A multi-Grammy-nominated artist, he has recorded over 40 albums under his own name and appeared on more than 100 additional titles, earning induction into the Kansas Music Hall of Fame and other prestigious honors. Today Watson remains a vital force in jazz, performing internationally and continuing to influence the art form with his rich, expressive alto saxophone voice.