The Jazz Room- Host Joan Watson-Jones

We met with Etienne Charles very, very late in the evening after he finished his last show of the day at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. We talked talked about his recording Carnival, Sound of a People Vol 1. He also talke about music being a great to communicate with all people. Learn why he says "Music keeps us human" Learn more about Etienne at https://etiennecharles.com

Meeting with Monty Alexander was a special experience. He talks about his latest recording project and his mentors a a young artist. Learn more about Monty Alexander at www.montyalexander.com

Wmet with the Royal Bopsters and Shellia at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2019. It was fun learning about the group and experience their friendship dynamics that made their unique sound.

We were unable to meet with Maestro at the Newport Jazz Festival so a Zoom interview was scheduled. We talk about his entry into the Guiness Book of Records, his life lessons through the years and his musicians on his work The Forsight Project- Stockhlom. Learn more about Ron Carter at www.roncarter.com

We met with Stanley after his set at the Newport Jazz Festival. We talk about is style of guitar playing and some of his recent albums. He's a dymanic guitarist. Enjoy his his solo artistry! Learn more about Stanley at www.stanleyjordan.com

We start the first in a 2 part interview with Singer/Bassist Carlene Ray. Carlene tells about her rich career in Jazz: her early work with the International Sweethearts of Rhythm , an all female big band that existed from 1933-1955. We move from there to her work helping Mary Lou Williams produce her famous Catholic Mass. Learn more about Carlene at https://jmih.org/past_event/carline-ray-a-pionee...

We continue with our interview with Singer/Bassist, Carlene Ray. She tells us about her work with the Alvin Ailey Dance. Then we move on to her work with R&B singer Ruth Brown. Learn more about Carlene at https://jmih.org/past_event/carline-ray-a-pioneers-pioneer/

In Part One of our interview with Singer Giacomo Gates a Storyteller/Jazz Singer, we talk about his CD "The Songs of Gil-Scott Heron-The Revolution Will Be Jazz " Learn how it came about and listen to selected cuts. Learn more about Giacomo at www.giacomogates.com .

In Part 2 of our interview with Giacomo Gates, we talk about his influences and a bit about his diverse travels and jobs in the past. Listen to cuts from his CD's Luminosity and The Songs of Gil Scott Heron-The Revolution Will Be Jazz" www.giacomogates.com .

In this 2 part interview we listen to performances of Improvised (on the spot) compositions featuring David and his friends, and tells us how he became publisher of Cadence Magazine Online. Learn more about Cadence Magazine Online at www.cadencejazzworld.com

It was a so interesting to talk with pianist, David Haney. Based in Portland OR he travels often to NYC to perform at a place called Joe’s Pub. Since 2012 he’s been the publisher and contributing editor of Cadence Magazine Online. Learn more about Cadence Magazine Online at www.cadencejazzworld.com

In part 2 of our interview with Paul Combs we learn in more detail the many jazz musicians who learned from the expertise of Tad Dameron . Learn more about Paul at paulcombs.com

We begin our two part conversation for Author, composer, Saxophonist , Paul Combs. We talk about his book ”Dameronia-The Life and Music of Tad Dameron" Now based in San Diego. CA , Paul was one of our long time Boston area musicians and we were very happy to have him on the show. In part 1 Paul talks about how he came to write this biography and gives us insights on how Tad Dameron influenced Jazz...

We go back to 1995 and listen to an interview with Singing Legend, Dakota Staton. Dakota came to Studio 952 in New York City to talk with us. She told about how she got started in the music business and her early experiences. Dakota Staton was our next door neighbor when I was growing up in New York City. I would visit her often as my mother told me “Show people are good people, go visit her” We l...

We present an interview with Jazz Legend, Trumpeter Clark Terry. Back in 1996 when we first started working in the media we had the opportunity to meet and talk with him during one of his annual visits to the University of NH. Clark took the time for a chat and then allowed us to listen in as he gave a master class to Jazz students. We also talked with, Professor Emeritus, Paul Verrette who was at...

Pianist, Composer, Photographer, Arranger Henry Butler We were able to chat with him for a bit at the Newport Jazz Festival. . Blind from birth, his story is inspiring. Learn more about Henry Butler at Henry Butler - Wikipedia . See his photography at on Facebook at Henry Butler Photography He passed away on July 2, 2018

We traveled on the Amtrack Jazz Train sponsored by the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. We met writer Ron Scott on the train when traveling from NYC to Pittsburgh. We met up on the return trip to talk about the jazz festival and his work as a writer on the Amsterdam News.

Meet Bassist/Composer/ Educator Rufus Reid. We met a tJazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. In part 1 of our interview he explains his term ” Every Song is a playground” and in in Part 2 he tells us about his mentor and boss Band Leader Eddie Harris. Learn more at rufusreid.com

Meet Bassist/Composer/ Educator Rufus Reid. We met a tJazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC. In part 1 of our interview he explains his term ” Every Song is a playground” and in in Part 2 he tells us about his mentor and boss Band Leader Eddie Harris. Learn more at rufusreid.com

We take you to the Newport Jazz Festival 55. We meet and talk with Saxophonist Joe Lovano in this 2 part series. We talk about the history of the Newport Jazz Festival, the musicians featured on this project and communicating his wisdom to young artists. Learn more about Joe at www.joelovano.com .

We take you to the Newport Jazz Festival 55. We meet and talk with Saxophonist Joe Lovano in this 2 part series. We talk about the history of the Newport Jazz Festival, the musicians featured on this project and communicating his wisdom to young artists. Learn more about Joe at www.joelovano.com .

In Part 2 we continue our chat with Jack DeJohnette. . This time he talks more about the musicians on his CD "Sound Travels" and how he started out in the music business. Learn more about Jack DeJohnette @ www.jackdejohnette.com

We talk with drummer, Jack DeJohnette . This was our first interview with Jack at the Newport Jazz Festival. In Part 1 we talk about his 2012 NEA Jazz Master Award and his CD "Sound Travels ". Learn more about Jack DeJohnette @ www.jackdejohnette.com

I'm saddened to say that on August 9, 2025 Eddie Palmieri passed away. We remember him in this interview when we met at the Newport Jazz Festival after one of his sets ."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 performa...

I'm saddened to say that on August 9, 2025 Eddie Palmieri passed away. We remember him in this two part interview when we met at the Newport Jazz Festival after one of his sets. Part 1 "We have a spirited conversation with Latin Jazz Legend Eddie Palmier i. 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...