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

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Welcome to The Jazz Room

"The Jazz Room" is a half hour Podcast.
For many years we have covered the Newport Jazz Festival. View our Photo Gallery of Jazz Artists from the Festival through the years.
Each program features an interview with an independent artist, or a Jazz Legend. Sometimes there may be a Jam Session where the music is performed live in the studio.
Current shows Click Here
"The Jazz Room" can also
be heard and downloaded
as part of the Podcast
"Are We Here Yet"
For comments or questions joan@joanwatsonjones.com
Follow us on Twitter @msjazzkitty
Newport Jazz Festival Photos Through the Years

Ahmad Jamal at Newport 2010

We interviewed Maria at Newport 2022.

In the photography pit at Newport 2019 Photo Steve Klamkin

Ahmad Jamal at Newport 2010
June and July 2023 in " The Jazz Room"

We have a spirited conversation with Latin Jazz Legend, Eddie Palmieri at the Newport Jazz Festival. In Part One, of this feature he tells about his early beginnings and about his brother Charlie Palmieri getting him started in music. He also tells us who were his major influences in Jazz.
In Part 2 of this feature Eddie tells us about the many musicians he has collaborated with through the years to make his music not just Latin and not just Jazz but his own brand and style. He also shares stories about his performances across the globe.
Learn more about Eddie Palmieri at www.palmierimusic.com
We talk with Clarinetist, Anat Cohen. We met with her between performances at the Newport Jazz Festival 2011. She talks about her work with many musicians as well as being a band leader and her work with her brothers. Lean more about Anat Cohen at www.anatcohen.com


Our friend Baritone Saxophonist /Composer Claire Daly stops by Studio 952 in NYC to tell us about her CD "The Mary Joyce Project-Nothing to Lose" This CD tells the story of her father's cousin Mary Joyce who crossed Alaska on dog sled alone in the mid1920's. We listen to each song which tell a part of Mary's story and while we chat Claire fills in the rest of the story.
Learn more about Claire and her music at www.clairedaly.com
Meet Singer/Pianist, Michael Feinstein . In this, Part One, of this feature we talk about his upcoming performance that evening and about the musicians who are with him. He tells us about the Great American Songbook and his efforts to preserve the music that has shaped American music for over a century.
In Part 2. We continue our conversation with Michael Feinstein at the Newport Jazz Festival. He tells of the lengths he went to salvage musical artifacts and find a home for them in the Great American Songbook Archive and Museum in Carmel, Indiana. He also talks about the Michael Feinstein Foundation. Its mission is to fund this Archive and Museum and bring greater attention to our “Made in America” Music. Learn more about this organization at www.michaelfeinstein.com

We were a able to talk with Saxophonist,Tia Fuller after her set at the Newport Jazz Festival. She talked about her early work with Beyonce , her Mom’s influence on her career and much more.
Learn more about Tia at tiafuller.com

