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
Radio promo
Welcome to The Jazz Room
Broadcast on CyberStationUsa.com, "The Jazz Room" is a half hour Internet Radio program.
For many years we have covered the Newport Jazz Festival. View our Photo Gallery of Jazz Artists from the Festival through the years.
Each show we feature 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.
Stream older episodes at our Podcast Page our
Current shows Click Here
NEW!! "The Jazz Room" can now
also be heard as part of the
Podcast "Are We Here Yet"
For comments or questions joan@joanwatsonjones.com
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Newport Jazz Festival Photos Through the Years
Interview Jon Batiste just as they were ready to be the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Sun Ra Newport 2019
In the photography pit at Newport 2019 Photo Steve Klamkin
Interview Jon Batiste just as they were ready to be the house band on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
July and August 2021 "The Jazz Room" Highlights from Newport Jazz Festival
July 2021
Jon Batiste and Stay Human
Week 26
Meet Multi-Instrumentalist Jon Batiste and two members of his band Staying Human. We had a chance for a brief sit down and chat after their set at the Newport Jazz Festival. They talked about how they met and how they are looking forward to working with Stephen Colbert on the Late Show. Learn more about Jon Batiste and Staying Human at www.jonbatiste.com
Week 27 & 28
We talk with Vibraphonist Gary Burton. We were able to catch up with him at the 60th Newport Jazz Festival. In this, the first in our two part interview, Gary tells up about when he started playing the vibes and about his Autobiography that was published in 2013.
In part two of our interview Gary tells us about his work with George Shearing and Stan Getz. He also talks about the” inner player” that is within us all. Learn more about Gary Burton at allmusic.com/garyburton/ bio.com
Vibraphonist - Gary Burton
Talking with Monty Alexander
Week 29
We were able to talk with Pianist, Monty Alexander after his set at the Newport Jazz Festival. He talks about his musical journey, being lifted by many of the jazz greats along the way. Learn more about Monty Alexander at montyalexander.com
Week 30-31-32
We met Shelia at Newport when we interviewed The Royal Bopsters. Unable to schedule an interview that day we made a special date after the festival.
It was a wonderful trip to the Catskills to visit Jazz Singing Legend, Shelia Jordan. She invited us to her home in Upstate New York to interview her. She graciously gave us lunch and then we talked for over 40 minutes.
What a wonderful treat!
She signed a CD copy of her first recording "A Portrait of Shelia"
These three 1/2 hour programs are the result of that interview. Enjoy!!
Lunch with Shelia Jordan
