JOAN WATSON-JONES, Choices
In addition to being a noted recording artist, Joan Watson-Jones, a veteran of the New England Jazz scene, is host and producer of The Jazz Room, an online radio show where she plays music and interviews top names.
The magic of her guests and a wealth of jazz influences continues to rub off on the versatile, deeply soulful, emotional and sublimely swinging singer, who on her latest album Choices continues to reveal the depths of her artistry as an insightful songwriter and musical storyteller.
She bookends the set with a booming, wildly percussive twist on “Topsy 2” featuring her own lyrics celebrating her passion for dance, and a vibrant stroll through the always welcome and uplifting “Here’s to Life.”
The core of the collection though is a jazz troubadour’s delight, as Watson-Jones gets personal sharing heartfelt narratives about and featuring the wisdom of her parents, a family friend, her beloved husband and an old college friend.
Aside from being a delightfully charming set of vocal jazz, the perfectly titled album – featuring the singer’s longtime band members Frank Wilkins (piano), Dave Zox (bass) and Alvin Terry (drums) – feels like a warm, intimate (yet often rhythmically and harmonically rousing!) evening at home with her extended family.
March 23, 2020
Singer/Songwriter Joan Watson-Jones
Photo Lou Jones, Boston, MA
Joan Watson-Jones - Choices
"O's Notes: Joan is a great storyteller and has packed this set with bountiful lyrics detailing personal experiences. She pays homage to her mother on the title track, her father on “My Child‘s Dreams”, and MLK on “Talking With Martin” as she makes a desperate plea to not regress on civil rights. There are the requisite heartaches on “I Ain’t Just A Pretty Face” as music director, arranger Frank Wilkins leads the supporting trio with accents in all the right places."
O'sPlace - Oscar D.Groomes
“With her intensely communicative style of singing, Joan elicits an emotional response with her poignant lyrics and delivery… Joan’s songs are an homage to a life filled with love and hope – and some pertinent messages for us all.”
“The songs are full of meaningful lyrics about items that matter. I look forward to hearing more from this lady…. She can sing - and how”
"Choices" The Story Behind the Song
“Watson-Jones favors a straight-ahead classy approach that accents the lyrics… Watson-Jones is paying homage to family and friends, finding joy in music and celebrating a life full of hope, music, and meaningful person relationships.”
Jim Haynes - Making a Scene
