Inside 'Notes of Thanks' Bobby Broom on Trio Sound, Song Choice and Swing

Preston reconnects with Bobby Broom to discuss his new tribute album 'Notes of Thanks,' its repertoire choices, recording details, and promotion and touring plans. Broom explained he deliberately recorded the project while Sonny Rollins is still alive, returning to a guitar trio format with bassist Dennis Carroll and drummer Kobie Watkins, whom he had not recorded with as a pure trio in over a decade; Watkins has been Rollins' drummer for the last six years of Rollins' performing career. Broom recounted how he first connected with Rollins—early gigs with Al Haig, an R.L. Ray-arranged audition, and a Carnegie Hall date that launched their collaboration—and described his song-selection process as primarily personal, with minimal referencing of Rollins' original recordings aside from checks on "Doxy" and research into "Kim" via a Night Music clip. The group agreed to include Carroll's original "Me Time." The album was recorded over two days; Broom played a Kane Top hollow-body guitar built by luthier Danny Kane Top, and contrasted vintage-style guitar sounds with his mature, melody-supporting approach. Touring plans include upcoming dates and a Jazz Showcase appearance; Listeners are directed to bobbybroom.com and Bandcamp for purchases.