In an era where genre boundaries are continually tested, few artists embody the spirit of fearless musical exploration like Aaron Watson III. Known across Florida and beyond as a commanding saxophonist, visionary bandleader, and cultural educator, Watson is stepping firmly into the global spotlight with his single “Mind Over Matter”, a composition that not only showcases his mastery of groove and tone but also signals the wider ambition behind his upcoming debut album, Roots of Renewal.
For more than 15 years, Watson has been a cornerstone of North Florida’s music scene. Whether leading the explosive Pharaohs of Funk or sharing stages with luminaries such as George Clinton and Fred Wesley, his sound is unmistakable: a seamless blend of jazz sophistication, soul’s raw emotionality, and reggae’s infectious pulse. To experience him live is to witness a storyteller at work – an artist who doesn’t just play the saxophone but channels it as a vessel of culture, emotion, and dialogue.
At its core, “Mind Over Matter” is an exercise in restraint and intention. Built on a steady percussion framework and a bassline that flows with unshakable momentum, the track unfolds with calm authority. Watson’s saxophone, rather than overwhelming the arrangement, threads through it – sometimes leading, sometimes conversing, always allowing the groove to breathe, while also leaving plenty of space for a smooth resonating vocal melody
This balance is what makes the single so compelling. Many fusion projects lean on density or experimentation for their impact, but Watson chooses clarity. Each note is deliberate, each phrase and word, a carefully shaped gesture. The result is music that feels as communal as it is personal – an invitation for the listener to step inside the rhythm and stay there.
The single also underscores Watson’s belief in music’s transformative power. “I can’t stand to see my people crying, I don’t want to see my people dying,” he shares about the inspiration behind the piece. “Seeing this music create love, peace, and happiness is very important to me.” In that way, “Mind Over Matter” is not only a composition but a manifesto, weaving his technical command with his cultural mission.
In essence, with “Mind Over Matter,” Aaron Watson III delivers a concise, soulful, and deeply relevant review of a society struggling with broken truths. It’s a raw meditation on confusion, a heartbreaking lament over collective pain, and, ultimately, a determined anthem of spiritual and mental resilience against a world that simply no longer makes sense.
While “Mind Over Matter” sets the tone, Watson’s other singles in his catalog widen the vision. “This Life” offers a brighter, more exuberant side of his artistry. With its layered horn arrangements and syncopated grooves, the track highlights his ability to craft contrast – moments of tension stretching into long, expressive horn lines before resolving in bursts of rhythm and release. It’s music that keeps the listener leaning forward, anticipating the next shift.
Then there’s “Come Together,” perhaps the most spiritually charged of the trio. Written on a plane to Barbados for his grandfather’s funeral, the song is steeped in both grief and transcendence. Anchored by a steady reggae pulse, its subtle harmonic changes create an uplifting sense of forward motion. Here, Watson’s saxophone takes on a more conversational role, interacting with the ensemble as if engaged in dialogue. It’s a track that resonates with connection, community, and healing – a reflection of music’s ability to transform sorrow into collective strength.
These singles form the underpinning groundwork towards the foundation of Roots of Renewal, Watson’s forthcoming debut album. Far from a simple studio project, the record is the culmination of deeply personal experiences. “The inspiration came from the time my grandfather passed away, all the way up until we pressed record in the studio,” Watson explains. “Another inspiration was my mentor, Baba Olusegun, who taught me how to create and mix my love for jazz and Caribbean music into a story through music.”
Those stories were often born in Olusegun’s creative space, known as “The Bottomless Pit,” where improvisation and cultural dialogue were paramount. Before his passing, Olusegun left Watson with one final piece of music to complete – a gift and a challenge that now forms part of Roots of Renewal. The album, then, is not only a debut but a spiritual inheritance, carrying forward lessons of mentorship, resilience, and cultural memory.
Watson hopes the record offers listeners a sense of release: “When I release Roots of Renewal, I hope that listeners will feel a sense of freedom from whatever hardships they’ve experienced in life. The music was created during hard times of my life or in moments of feeling free from all negativity – that’s where the improvisation came in.”
Part of what makes Watson’s approach so distinctive is his understanding of music’s universality. Drawing on wisdom passed down from his grandfather and professors, he sees beyond stylistic divisions: “Harmony is harmony. My grandfather always said, ‘There’s only 12 notes, buddy.’ We can create rhythms that speak to different cultures, but harmony is the same everywhere.”
It’s this philosophy that allows him to fuse jazz, reggae, funk, and soul without diluting any of them. By grounding his compositions in history, listening, and practice, Watson doesn’t merely blend genres – he reshapes them into something uniquely his own.
With the support of Brower Entertainment, Watson is now bringing his sound to wider audiences. Performances across Florida, the Caribbean, and Europe have already demonstrated his versatility; now, his recordings serve as a permanent document of that artistry. For promoters, venues, and fans, singles like “Mind Over Matter” provide a distilled version of his live energy – groove-driven, improvisational, and globally resonant.
Yet Watson’s vision extends beyond music. A graduate of Florida A&M University with a degree in Jazz Studies and a current Arts Administration student at Florida State University, he has long balanced performance with education. His mentorship of young musicians in Leon County and beyond reflects his belief in passing on not only technical skill but also cultural responsibility. As his mentor Darryl Tookes once told him: “It’s not about black and white, it’s about humanity.” For Watson, music is the most powerful medium for expressing that truth.
With “Mind Over Matter,” “This Life,” “Come Together,” and the soon-to-arrive Roots of Renewal, Aaron Watson III is charting a bold course for contemporary instrumental music. He proves that fusion doesn’t have to be an exercise in excess – it can be an art of clarity, where rhythm, melody, and interaction speak louder than density.
But more importantly, he demonstrates how music can be a tool for healing, dialogue, and hope. Watson is not only a saxophonist or bandleader; he is a cultural leader, a bridge between traditions, and a visionary whose work resonates across borders. As the world awaits Roots of Renewal, one thing is certain: Aaron Watson III has arrived not just to play, but to inspire.
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