SUNY Oswego alumnus Larry Watson returned to give a concert titled “American Fruit with African Roots: A Black Swan Song by an Affirmative Action Baby,” on Feb. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert featured seven songs from a selection of music included in the program. In addition to being a musician, Watson calls himself a storyteller. Between selections, Watson spent time providing background for his songs and telling stories from his life and his time at Oswego. Most songs performed were written or arranged by Watson himself.

For one song, Watson invited the audience to join along, singing “all for one, one for all, we will stand, ‘til the end, divided we fall.”

Watson’s performances were accompanied by visuals projected on a screen behind him, many of which gave honor to Black individuals of historical significance and who have made a difference. The stage was lit with multicolored lighting on curtains, bringing another layer of visual appeal.

Watson did not come to give a concert alone: he brought a talented band of diverse performers, including three vocalists, a pianist, a saxophone player, a bassist, a percussionist and a drummer. Each performer got their moment to shine in improvised solos.

SUNY Oswego student Brandon Schmitt was also a part of the band. Schmitt said that last semester he was approached and invited to play by Trevor Jorgensen, chair of the music department. 

“It was unbelievable, it was so much fun,” Schmitt said about his experience playing with the band. “It’s just when you get to that level, you can just improvise and play freely, and you just get in the pocket right away, and you just groove.”

For a few numbers, Watson was also joined by six members of SUNY Oswego’s Gospel Choir, led by Danielle Boxill. 

Watson was introduced by Jennifer Knapp, interim dean of the School of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

“We are all storytellers and Larry is one of the best,” Knapp said.

Watson addressed both positive and negative aspects of his time at Oswego, and fused comedy into his storytelling style. He reflected on professors who encouraged him as a person of color in the ‘70s and those who allowed their own bias to influence their decision-making in his time here. Watson said one positive experience “opened me up to realize that I was a whole person, not three-fifths of a man as the Constitution told me.” 

Some of his old Oswego friends even came to support him at the concert. Watson also discussed his time with Jerry Seinfeld, famous comedian and performer. Watson and Seinfeld roomed together and became friends. Watson described a letter he had received from Seinfeld a few days ago, congratulating him on his concert and retirement.

Currently working at Berklee College of Music as a professor, Watson plans to retire at the end of this year. He has produced three albums and performed for several influential figures, including three Supreme Court justices and former President Barack Obama.

Photo by: Brandon Chaug