Episode 69
Michael Watson The Power of Perseverance (Episode 69)
Published on:
29th September, 2020
Michael Watson entered into a family of music lovers and legacies in 1985 in Canton, Ohio. From the time he picked up the trombone in 1994 to the time he went to Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio he had played in four All State Jazz Bands, The Grammy Jazz Ensemble with the top twenty-four high school musicians in the world at the 2003 Grammy Awards, and the Tri-C All Star Jazz band at the Tri-C Jazz Festival. In 2006, when his service in the U.S. Marine Corps brought him to New Orleans, he became actively involved in the city's vibrant live music scene.
In addition to his performances with the Marine Corps band at Mardi Gras parades he has had the privilege to play with Stevie Wonder, Sheila E, Eric Benet, F.U.N., Bill Summers, Jimmy Heath, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John Clayton and Alvin Youngblood Hart. After completing his active duty service in 2010, he has been performing regularly in the city making appearances with various ensembles at French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. And was also asked in 2012 to record on New Orleans Born John Boutté's album All about Everything.
In 2011, through a partnership with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the New Orleans NBA team, was asked to be a bandleader. Where he and his band performed at 13 home games throughout the 2011-2012 season. Michael has also toured nationally with Comic Relief’s “The Return of Tony Clifton”, and toured nationally with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, performing at many different major venues including Carnegie Hall and The Apollo Theater (2012)
In 2010, Michael Watson began his international tours for music. He made his first appearance in Europe at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, as apart of the Regeneration Brass Band of New Orleans. Where they continued to perform for three consecutive years. From 2010 to 2018 Michael has also performed at several music festivals around the world, including North Sea Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
on May 28th, 2016, Michael created “The Alchemy”, a quintet that performs his original work. He leads this band as they continue to perform on a regular basis throughout the city of New Orleans at venues such as The Jazz Playhouse, The Spotted cat, Starlight lounge, Snug Harbor and Three Keys at Ace Hotel. Michael Watson and The Alchemy have also perform at the French Quarter Fest, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Ascona Jazz Festival and Brooklyn Bowl NYC.
In addition to his performances with the Marine Corps band at Mardi Gras parades he has had the privilege to play with Stevie Wonder, Sheila E, Eric Benet, F.U.N., Bill Summers, Jimmy Heath, Dee Dee Bridgewater, John Clayton and Alvin Youngblood Hart. After completing his active duty service in 2010, he has been performing regularly in the city making appearances with various ensembles at French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. And was also asked in 2012 to record on New Orleans Born John Boutté's album All about Everything.
In 2011, through a partnership with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra and the New Orleans NBA team, was asked to be a bandleader. Where he and his band performed at 13 home games throughout the 2011-2012 season. Michael has also toured nationally with Comic Relief’s “The Return of Tony Clifton”, and toured nationally with The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, performing at many different major venues including Carnegie Hall and The Apollo Theater (2012)
In 2010, Michael Watson began his international tours for music. He made his first appearance in Europe at the Ascona Jazz Festival in Switzerland, as apart of the Regeneration Brass Band of New Orleans. Where they continued to perform for three consecutive years. From 2010 to 2018 Michael has also performed at several music festivals around the world, including North Sea Jazz Festival, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, and Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival.
on May 28th, 2016, Michael created “The Alchemy”, a quintet that performs his original work. He leads this band as they continue to perform on a regular basis throughout the city of New Orleans at venues such as The Jazz Playhouse, The Spotted cat, Starlight lounge, Snug Harbor and Three Keys at Ace Hotel. Michael Watson and The Alchemy have also perform at the French Quarter Fest, Copenhagen Jazz Festival, Ascona Jazz Festival and Brooklyn Bowl NYC.
