The Jazz Room- Host Joan Watson-Jones

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-pioneers-pioneerNoteCarlene passed away July 23, 2013 at age 88. In my interview with singer, Catherine Russell, I learned that Carlene Ray was her mother. See season 19 episode 09 for that interview.

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 atwww.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 artists during the Bop Era.Learn more about Paul at paulcombs.com

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 lost touch after she moved away and then in 1995 I met her at Scullers Jazz Club in Boston where she was performing. When we spoke she remembered me and we continued our friendship. She returned to the old neighborhood to chat with me.This was one of my very first attempts at broadcast interviews. Sadly she passed away in 2007. I’m grateful to have known her as a friend.

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 the University at that time. He gives us the background into Clark Terry's relationship with the University of NH.Learn More about Clark Terry and his music at clarkterry.com

Pianist, Composer, Photographer, Arranger Henry ButlerWe 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 PhotographyHe 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 performances across the globe. www.eddiepalmierimusic.com"

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 Palmieri. 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 tells us who were his major influences in Jazz.www.eddiepalmierimusic.com "

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025We 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 to interview her. She graciously gave us lunch and then we talked for over 40 minutes.This is part on of our interview with Shelia. She talked fondly about Charlie Parker and early days singing in NewYork City.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025We 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 to interview her. She graciously gave us lunch and then we talked for over 40 minutes.This is part on of our interview with Shelia. She talked fondly about Charlie Parker and early days singing in NewYork City.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of singing legend, Shelia Jordan on August 11, 2025We 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 to interview her. She graciously gave us lunch and then we talked for over 40 minutes.This is part on of our interview with Shelia. She talked fondly about Charlie Parker and early days singing in NewYork City.

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 (updated since this interview)

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 Workman 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

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