Jazz fans, rejoice! Terell Stafford returns to Kansas City to play with local legends

The trumpet player, considered a "must watch" act by jazz fans because of his unique talent, credits local musicians for helping develop his style.
Based in New York, trumpet player Terell Stafford is recognized as an incredibly gifted and versatile player. Listeners describe his sound as a combination of deep love and melody, with its own brand of spirited and adventurous lyricism.

And Stafford has a connection to many Kansas City musicians. His playing with saxophonist Bobby Watson dates back to the early 1990s, and Stafford credits Watson for being one of the reasons his career has taken off.

"Bobby had so much patience with me and everyone in the band, and it was like, unexplainable," Stafford said. "I went to college for four years, and I appreciate everything I learned in college, but the real learning happened with Bobby Watson."