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
"The Jazz Room" is a half hour Podcast.
For many years we have covered the Newport Jazz Festival. and now add more festivals to our roster. View our Photo Gallery of Jazz Artists from the Festivals 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.
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"The Jazz Room" can also
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For comments or questions joan@joanwatsonjones.com
Jazz Festival Photos Through the Years
In the photography pit at Newport 2019 Photo Steve Klamkin
April 2024 in " The Jazz Room"
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In part two we talk about the origins of a couple of songs featured on his CD and learn about the musicians who are on this CD with him. Learn more about him at
We talk with vibraphonist, Gary Burton. We were able to catch up with him at the 60th Newport Jazz Festival.
In the first in our two part interview, Gary tells us 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.