Latest News-
Jim is pleased to announce the new release of his debut cd as a leader. 'The Loop' by The Jim Watson Trio is available for sale now. Features Orlando Le Fleming on bass (Branford Marsalis, Jane Monheit) and Tristan Mailliot on drums (Stan Tracey,Acoustic Alchemy).
Check out the albums section on this site for more info.
Currently Jim has been touring with singer Katie Melua-click here for full details. Prior to that he has been working and touring with Zero7, undertaking a European/American tour which finished August 2004.
In the meantime he has recorded a new album of songs with Chris Difford(Squeeze) and Guy Barker for Chris's forthcoming album, is working on a project with Marti Pellow and Chris Difford, worked on an album with Blues/Rock legend Gary Moore, recorded with u.s duo joy zipper and toured Japan with jazz-funk band Incognito.
Current work includes a jazz record with Charlie Watts , Colin Towns Mask Orchestra, Claire Martin Band , Guy Barker Quintet, BBC Big Band, Katie Melua, and Zero7. Jim is also a Piano Professor at the Royal Academy of Music , London.
Jim Watson CV-
Born in Mansfield,Nottinghamshire ,James began playing the piano at the age of 7. He underwent classical training at an early age,and played in numerous school bands whilst at college.
After completing his A-levels in 1992,he decided to study at the Leeds College of Music where he obtained a first class BA Honours degree in Jazz and Contemporary Music,studying piano with Nikki Isles.
After Leeds he moved to London,studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama,where he gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Jazz and Studio music, studying,among others,with pianists Simon Purcell and John Taylor, and from then on began to establish himelf as one of Europes’ up and coming musicians.
Awards -
1998 BT jazz award- Rising Star
1996 Europ Jazz contest(Jazz Hoeilaart) - Best Soloist
1997 Winner- Worshipful Company of Musicians award
Bands/Performances/Member of -
Zero7, Katie Melua, Incognito(world tour), Brand new Heavies, Guy Barker International Septet, US3(european tour),Gary Moore, Lalo Schifrin, Patti Austin(Berghausen Jazz Festival),Chris Difford(Squeeze), Ann Hampton Calloway ,Platypus'(Gerard Presencer) , Jim Watson Trio, The Organ trio,(Jim Mullen), New York voices, Bobby Watson, James Moody (tour of spain) Javon Jackson, Herb Geller, Pat Kane(Hue and Cry), Jill Scott (Mobo awards), Dave O' Higgins, Julian Arguelles Quartet, Omar (Montreux Jazz Festival),BBC big band, Clark Tracey, Alan Barnes, Peter King, Jean Toussaint
Film Work-
Oceans 11 (George Clooney , Julia Roberts)
Buffalo Soldiers(Joachim Phoenix,Ed Harris)
Teaching-
Piano Tutor at Royal Academy Of Music , London
Organ tuition at Middlesex University
