The Jazz Room- Host Joan Watson-Jones

We met pianist/composer, Orrin Evans at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. In part one of this interview we talk about his CD “The Red Door” , the meaning of Red, the Jazz Train and Jazz elders.

We met with pianist, Kenny Barron just before his set at the Newport Jazz Festival. We talked about his musical roots and his recording “Beyond this Place”. Learn more at kennybarron.com

Meet Catherine Russell. She talks about her career that spans the spectrum of music and also her Mom, Singer/Bassist, Carlene Ray. We also talk about her CD "Harlem On My Mind" Learn more at catherinerussell.net

We enjoyed our conversation with singer, Christie Dasheil. She talks about her CD “Journey in Black” and what it was like growing up in a musical family. Learn more about Christie at https://www.christiedashiell.com/

We met with many artists at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. We talked with saxophonist, Chelsea Baratz and her dog King. She talks about growing up in Pittsburgh and the musicians and teachers who encouraged her, and, her CD “In Faith” Learn more about Chelsea at https://www.allaboutjazz.com/musicians/chelsea-baratz

We met with singer/composer/arranger Jazzmeia Horn at the Newport Jazz Festival. We talked about her CD “Dear Love” and her big band, ”Noble Force”. Learn more at www.artistryofjazzhorn.com

Claire Daly was a frequent visitor to "The Jazz Room" at Studio 952 in NYC. This was one of her earlier visits to talk about her CD " Baritone Monk." Sadly she passed away in Oct 2024. look for more of her interviews on this site.

We were able to chat a bit with bassist, Dave Holland just before his set at the Newport Jazz Festival. We talked about the musicians with him on that date and he answered questions from our friend Dave Zox. Learn more about Dave at www.daveholland.com

Meet saxophonist, composer, Lakicia Benjamin. We met briefly after her set at the Newport Jazz Festival. She talks about her CD, “Phoenix” and the story behind the project. Learn more at www.lakeciabenjamin.com

Our interview with Kurt Elling at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival includes stories about the people who have lifted him up through the years and his personal observations of The Jazz Room during his visit. Learn more at www.kurtelling.com

We met with Orchestra Leader/Composer Maria Schneider at the Newport Jazz Festival. This show is a bit different as per Maria’s request she asked I play 30 seconds of music and one full composition from her project "Data Lords". As you listen to this interview she talks not only about creating her music, but defending her copyrights of her work in this world of free music streaming and music distr...

We met pianist/arranger/composer Bob James at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. His career spans 60 years working with Maynard Fergerson, Earl Klugh, Grover Washington Jr. and even Neil Diamond. He even has 3 classical albums. Learn more about Bob James at www.bobjames.com

Lou Jones is an acclaimed jazz photographer. We met with him in Cambridge Ma at a showing of his work . Log on to www.fotojones.com as you listen to see his work. Lou gives us a little insight into his creative process.

We met bassist, Buster Williams at the Newport Jazz Festival. He tells us about his work with Herbie Hancock, Sarah Vaughan and much more. Learn more about Buster at www.busterwilliams.com

We met bassist/composer, Endea Owens at the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. She tells us about her “day job” on The Stephen Colbert Show, and her composition work with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra titled “Ida’s Crusade.” Learn More about Endea at www.endeaowens.com