The Jazz Room- Host Joan Watson-Jones

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025 We met Shelia at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2019 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...

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025 We met Shelia at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2019 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...

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025 We met Shelia at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2019 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...

We were able to chat with award winning photographer, Adriana Mateo at the Newport Jazz Festival where she was signing copies of her book “AM Jazz Three Generations Under the Lens”. The forward was written by saxophonist, Jimmy Heath so we feature the music of jimmy Heath and encourage you to log on to www.adrianamateo.com to explore her photos while listening to the show

Meet four time Grammy, Nominee Karrin Allyson. We were able to chat with here at the Newport Jazz Festival after her performance with the Newport 60 Band. Learn more about Karrin at www.karrin.com.

Meet vocalist, Jackie Lennon who is president of the non-profit organization International Women in Jazz. Jackie and I talk about IWJ, it’s purpose and various projects they plan for members and those who love Jazz. Learn about IWJ at www.internationalwomeninjazz.org

Part 2 of our interview with Ahmad Jamal he gives advice to Jazz Musicians as to how to survive in this current music business environment and he talks about his future plans for his music. https://www.ahmadjamal.com (updated since this interview)

This month we pay homage in memory of Jazz Legend, Pianist Ahmad Jamal. This interview at the Newport Jazz Festival in 2010 was my very first interview with a major artist! It was loads of fun to meet someone I had listened to and admired since a teen. In part 1 he talks about his latest CD"A Quite Time" and use of his own compositions. Learn more about Ahmad Jamal at https://www.ahmadjamal.com (u...

Meet photographer Richard Conde. We met many years ago when I started covering the Newport Jazz Festival for ‘The Jazz Room”. We talk about jazz and photgraphy and how the arts intertwine. While you’re listening log on to www.richardcondephotos.com . You’ll see how his photos tell both his story and each artist he’s photographed

In part 2 of our interview with bassist, Reggie Workma n talked about his life since that historic time. Reggie talked about his life since that historic time. We talked and talked and the one interview became two parts. He's currently working as a composer, arranger and teacher. Learn about Reggie and his work at reggieworkmanmusic.com/

In part one of our interview with bassist. Reggie Workman he tells us about his work with John Coltrane, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Yousef Latife, Pharoh Sanders, Miles Davis,Tommy Flannagan and many more. Learn about Reggie and his work at reggieworkmanmusic.com/

At the very beginning of this podcast journey I interviewed Clark Terry at the University of New Hampshire. The college awarded him a Doctorial Degree in Music. The college has a strong jazz department. We talk about his career and you'll hear a bit of him giveing a workshop to the jazz students. This is one of my photos of Clark at the Newport Jazz Festival

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 Hunan at Home - Jon Batiste

We talk about his 2024 release “Vibe Provider”, his roles in the music business, and community building with music. Learn more about Emmet at www.emmetcohen.com

In part two of our interview with Lou Donaldson we continue with our chat with Saxophonist Lou Donaldson. He tells us about working with Miles Davis, Jimmy Smith

We met Lou at the Newport Jazz Festival. He was unable to talk with us at Newport so we met at Studio 952 in Manhattan. In this part one of our interview Lou tells us how he got started in the business and why he took up the Saxophone.

We met trumpet player, Sean Jones after his set at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. We talk about his part in the creation of the festival, the young musicians in his band and his plaans for the future. Learn more at www.sean-jones.com

In Part 2 he expands his thoughts to discuss the ”Still, Small Voice” that we as a people share and the Non-Profit Organization he formed to benefit out of work performers of all genres during the Covid 19 quarantine. Learn more about Arturo at https://www.auturoofarrill.com .

We met Pianist, Composer Arturo O ‘Farrill after his set at the Newport Jazz Festival. We talked about his Grammy winning album “Four Questions”. In part 1 we talk about the influence of Dr. Cornell West and the ”Four Questions” as the inspiration for his album.. Learn more about Arturo at https://www.auturoofarrill.com .

We met Kevin at Jazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center NYC. In Part 1 of our interview we talk about his time on The Jay Leno Show and a mutual friend. In Part 2 we talk about his work doing workshops with young people. Learn more at kevineubanks.com

Meet singer/songwriter Jose James. We met with him at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. We talked about his CD “ON and ON”, the challenges of interpreting the songs of songwriters and his work as singing on the sound track for the movie “50 Shades Darker” Learn more at www.josejames.com

We met Kevin at Jazz Congress at Jazz at Lincoln Center NYC. In Part 1 of our interview we talk about his time on The Jay Leno Show and a mutual friend. In Part 2 we talk about his work doing workshops with young people. Learn more at kevineubanks.com

We chat with Grammy Winning Drummer, Terri Lyne Carrington at the Jazz Congress at Lincoln Center in NYC. We talk about her CDs The Mosaic Project and Mosaic Project:Love and Soul and how she developed her ideas for both projects. Learn more at: www.terrilynecarringnton.com

Meet award winning pianist, Bertha Hope. She talks about her husband Elmo Hope and her CD " Nothing But Love" featuring drummer Jimmy Cobb as part of her ensemble. For more information Bertha Hope's Biography (thehistorymakers.org ) The Jazz Foundation

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 https://www.orrinevansmusic.com