jean watson: Press

THERE ARE SINGERS, AND THERE ARE SINGERS!
by Bob Racine

For me to spend time and money to listen to a vocalist/composer for much of
an afternoon or evening and go away feeling full to overflowing, that person
must offer two very crucial things - a charismatic, radiant voice and a
varied and exciting repertoire. Either without the other is for me a
fizzle. I have heard outstanding singers who fill their bills with mediocre
stuff. I have heard exceptional melodies, with striking and inspired
lyrics, sung by the mediocre singers who composed them. I guess if I were
forced at gunpoint to choose between the two, I would choose the latter.
Content is more likely to trump form than vice versa. But even then, I
would crave to hear those beautiful songs sung by someone other than the
composer at a later time. If there is nothing profound in the lyrics, the
voice, however forceful and splendid, is largely sounding brass and tinkling
symbol.

I for one have never been turned on by Bob Dylan's voice, at any point in
his career. To me he is just a screamer. But when I first heard Joan Baez
give her treatment of his great folk melodies, the music of Bob Dylan came
alive for me and has stayed alive ever since. I would go out of my way to
hear her renditions of his works (or anyone's works for that matter), and I
would love to have on CD an album of Dylan pieces she recorded back in the
seventies. (I think it was entitled "Any Day Now".) That is a nylon LP I
virtually wore out.

Rodney Gross, to my knowledge, does not compose. He sings well known tunes,
but what he does with them must exceed even the composers' expectations.
Those of them who have passed on must smile down from heaven, when they hear
him. The same can be said of the other three musicians he had with him at
the LIFTUP fundraiser on Sunday afternoon, April 27. Those of you who were
not there, and you are many in number, really missed a treat. He chooses
his music well and does every nuance full justice. The roof almost came
off.

And there are reasonably good singers who ought to stick to singing and not
feature themselves as composers. Not that what they compose is necessarily
bad. It just does not justify a recital of an hour or more. When you have
heard three or four of their songs, you have heard all of their songs. Each
and every one carries the same thin message, sung in similar sentimental
style, and once I have heard the message repeated once or twice, be the
message a sound and sincere one, I feel no sense of anticipation over what
is to follow. I am ready to go home.

Recently, I was blessed to hear someone who has me virtually hypnotized.
There is no sense of repetition in her repertoire. She varies the style and
the content. She sings and she plays the violin. I am, of course, speaking
of Jean Watson. Her CD entitled "Unveiled" I have listened to I do not know
how many times in these few weeks since Ruby and I purchased it at the
Expressions Care Group fund raiser, also for LIFTUP. We are enthralled with
it. As an inspirational singer and composer she has an unmistakably plus
quality. And as inspirational vocalist/singers go, I am not easy to please.

First, a word about the concert she gave. I sat in my seat trying to
figure out what her secret was. Her lyrics say nothing new under heaven,
but the way she phrases them and the arrangements she employs make all the
difference. On some of the numbers she used electronic, prerecorded
accompaniment. On others she accompanied herself on the piano. And then
she would take her violin in hand and just play, without any vocal. We
never knew what she might come up with next.

Her voice is a sweet and pitch perfect soprano without vibrato that
effortlessly proceeds out of her tiny mouth and her petite body. A
childlike entreaty! At times it is almost an echo on the ear. She does not
perform; she shares herself - heart and soul. And how does she do this?
For me it was mainly through her strong and consistent eye contact. She did
not bend and gyrate and go into a trance. There were no theatrics. She was
not there simply to entertain; she was there to connect. And she connected
with her eyes. She never looked away from her audience. She fixed us with
her loving and relaxed and sincere gaze, breaking it only to close her eyes
as if she were uttering a prayer, and drew us right in. And I found myself
relating to her as child-to-child. Though it may sound corny to some for me
to say it, the space around her felt hallowed and all her simple movements
inspired. I could have gone on listening to her for two more hours.

Petite and unassuming as she is, one should not mistake her for innocent.
She has been through much trauma in her personal life, as has her immediate
family, because of whom she has suffered much depression and near despair.
She told us all about how she discovered the love of God, how she was
transformed by that love and the miraculous effect it had upon one of her
addicted children. Humble she is, but not innocent of pain and grief. And
her dark history seems to inform her singing and her compositions.

Having seen her in person, the CD when I took it home had great drawing
power for me, perhaps more than if only my ears had encountered her. On
"Unveiled" another dimension was added - superb arrangements. While the
songs and the sentiments for the most part are not new (with one notable
exception), her treatments are most original. The instrumentation suits her
perfectly. The purity of form and content! The production values are
exceptional, and there is nothing overworked or half-baked or plagiarizing
about her expression or her choice of words.

She sings ten songs on the CD, and plays one violin solo, also accompanied.
Three of the songs are hers entirely - words and musical arrangement. Five
of the others are her music and arrangements only, the words by someone
else. On the remaining two vocalizations she is the singer and interpreter
only. The one violin piece is an 8th century plainsong entitled "Come Holy
Ghost." If what she does with "Nearer My God to Thee" and "King of Love" is
any example of her gift for freshening familiar pieces, I look forward to
more of such on future recordings. It sounds as if she is a small child
standing on a hillside, beneath the vault of heaven, and singing her meek
praise directly into the face of God. Listening to her gives me shivers of
delight and sometimes brings me to tears. I recommend its purchase, which
you can make on the Internet.

Those of you who missed her can take comfort from knowing that she is
scheduled to be back in the Columbia area again in August. And you might be
hearing a song or two by her in the upcoming worship hours.

Lawton gospel musician takes dream trip to Great Britain


LAWTON - Local gospel artist Jean Watson recently returned from a two-week tour of England, performing 11 concerts in 12 days. A resident of Lawton, Watson, who has recorded three compact discs, was, in part, promoting her most recent CD, "Unveiled," completed in 2006. A song from that CD, "Purple and Red," topped England's gospel charts this past spring.
Watson recently shared reflections about her trip to Great Britain.
"The idea of going to Great Britain was birthed in me as a child, really. I grew up in an Episcopal church which is an off-shoot of the Church of England, so I was steeped in the British music and liturgy from a very early age. As an older child, I had a fascination with British history and culture. I read every version of the King Arthur legends that I could get my hands on and all the stories of James Herriot's life in Yorkshire. Little did I know that one day I would visit Yorkshire and have the opportunity to affect the lives of the very people who had so influenced mine!"
Three years ago Watson had come to a crossroads in her life, contemplating what she wanted to do. She dreamed and prayed about what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
"The idea of going to Great Britain popped up, and I realized that I would not feel fulfilled until I had gone there," said Watson.
She added, "By that time, I was already recording CDs and singing and speaking in area churches. My dream became a prayer to be able to share my music and story with the people of the UK and Ireland. I wrote down my prayer and carried it around with me for the next three years!"
For the next two years, Watson found herself working on her third CD, entitled "Unveiled," which she described as "another dream-come-true."
With help from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Inc., and private donors, Watson was able to hire world-class musicians and an orchestra in Prague to bring her musical ideas to life.
The CD, "Unveiled" received positive reviews in the United States and in Europe, where it was posted on a British independent artist Website this past spring.
(In May, Watson was the "Featured Artist of the Week" at: mychristianbands.com in the U.K. "Purple and Red" and Dream Maker were No. 1 and No. 2 on their "traditional and inspirational" charts, and "Purple and Red" was No. 6 on the overall chart.)
"The music immediately attracted attention, and I was soon talking to British musicians who were interested in helping to facilitate a tour of England for me," said Watson.
"My tour began in Leicester in the midlands where I rested and rehearsed with the group, ""Imaginary Friend," who served as my back-up band," she said.
"Imaginary Friend" is an accomplished musical group in its own right, according to Watson. The band consists of guitar, bass, cello, and vocals. "We had only one rehearsal but immediately felt a strong musical, spiritual and social connection," said Watson.
"Imaginary Friend" accompanied Watson on part of the tour "and was soon affectionately dubbed "The Watsonettes!" said Watson.
Watson and "Imaginary Friend" played at several churches, a coffeehouse, a Church of England school, a women's group, and a senior citizens' luncheon, and an outdoor evangelistic crusade.
In 12 days, Watson performed 11 concerts in cities in the midlands, on the east coast and in the north in Yorkshire.
Watson was also interviewed by two British Broadcasting Company (BBC) radio stations.
Watson said her bond with "Imaginary Friend" proved to be deeper than just music.
"As soon as we started performing, we realized that this was about much more than music. Everywhere we went, we saw peoples' hearts being touched by the music and by my message. I spoke about having hope in the midst of dark circumstances and daring to dream big dreams. All of my words came from my own story about how God restored hope in my broken life. We marveled at how easily those British "stiff upper lips" soon quivered with emotion as something in my story or music touched them. I had the glorious privilege of talking to many of the locals about their own struggles and praying with them after the concerts," said Watson.
At the end of the tour, Watson and "Imaginary Friend" had been deeply affected by the reactions of the people who heard them.
"None of us was ready to see it end, and in the words of Noel Donaldson, who promoted many of the concerts: "You are going home for a holiday, only a holiday!"
Watson's musical adventure also proved to be an emotional trip.
"I was moved to tears many times while in England. Never in my life have I been so keenly aware that I was in the right place at the right time. I knew deep down inside that I had been prepared for that moment from those early days in the Episcopal church, that the dream of a lifetime was being fulfilled. My only comfort upon my return was the thought that "I was going home for a holiday, only a holiday!"
On Oct. 21, at 7 p.m,. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 721 Pine St., in Paw Paw, Watson will perform a benefit concert for United Christian Services.
United Christian Services is an Ecumenical cluster comprised of Paw Paw area churches, networked in the Van Buren County communities of Bangor, Bloomingdale, Decatur, Gobles, Hartford, Keeler, Lawton, Lawrence and Mattawan.
Collectively, UCS acts as a clearinghouse to dispense various kinds of aid and assistance to individuals and families who are in need.
Some area churches have food pantries, which are stocked through an area food bank and by contributions from individual congregations. Those in need can also receive other types of assistance, such as help paying rent, utilities, medical bills, transportation, groceries and personal care items.
A love offering will be taken during the concert. In addition, Watson will donate a portion of each CD sale to United Christian Services.
For more information about the concert, call (269) 655-9147. For more information about Watson, view her Web

Contemporary-gospel musician Jean Watson stresses a simple message in her music: Embrace your dreams, no matter how lofty.


Watson, 42, a single mother of four living in Lawton, was able to raise about $25,000 to fund her 2006 CD, "Unveiled," a collaboration with a producer and an arranger from Belfast, an orchestrator in London and an orchestra in Prague.

The disc -- which was funded by previous CD sales, a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo and private donors -- led to invitations to perform in a series of shows in England starting Sept. 18.

Watson credits the CD and tour to her persistent prayers asking for exactly those things.

"When things like that happen to you, you think, 'Wow, anything is possible,'" she said.

Watson, who plays violin and sings over a programmed keyboard playing her original compositions, said she'll perform almost a concert a day from Sept. 18 to 30.

To hear Watson's music, go online to www.jeanwatson.com.

A gifted teacher, Jean Watson's contagious delight in her craft draws the listener into the world of scripture in new and creative ways. One cannot help but take away fresh insights that will be used joyfully upon returning home.

My daughter attends Trinity Lutheran School in Paw Paw and we attended your concert weeks ago. Honestly, I went out of obligation - but when I heard you sing I was SO impressed with your music, voice, and story. I left blessed beyond words and thankful that the Lord brought me there.

My daughter attends Trinity Lutheran School in Paw Paw and we attended your concert weeks ago. Honestly, I went out of obligation - but when I heard you sing I was SO impressed with your music, voice, and story. I left blessed beyond words and thankful that the Lord brought me there.

Jean Watson's Christmas Presence concert not only conveyed the warmth and joy of the season, but gave those who attended a testimony of hope in Christ which strengthened our faith. We will not forget this wonderful evening of testimony and song. Jean obviously loves the Lord Jesus and walks faithfully with Him. In addition, her son Charlie was a true inspiration to us, and we appreciate all he did to make the weekend a success!

Jean is one of today's anointed minstrels. With her skillful abilities shared between vocal and instrumental, she inspires hope and worship.

Jean Watson is an independent singer/songwriter and “Unveiled” is her third release. Famed Irish producer Joni McCabe produced “Unveiled,” and on the CD you will also hear the Prague Philharmonic. These elements along with the enchanting voice of Jean has drawn references to Irish diva’s Loreena McKennitt and Enya, however, her musical style is quite different. I think there is less of the Irish folk sound and really the only comparison with these ladies is the angelic vocals that set you adrift in reflection. Personally, in comparison, I would consider it to be more like Sarah Brightman when it comes to Jean’s style. It is very eclectic and it works very well.



The lyrics on “Unveiled” are very much inspirational. They come from a heart that has been broken, which knows sin, and more importantly, the saving grace of God’s redeeming son Jesus Christ. Although inspirational best describes the CD for me, the majority of the CD carries a different more upbeat soundtrack than most inspirational recordings. I think that is why Jean’s music can fit into so many categories and can relate to a wider audience. The official Jean Watson web site has a lot more information and some track samples, be sure to make a visit.



- Ken W.

Remember the name. From Michigan, Jean Watson is a crystal-clear “singer- songwriter- musician” of refinement. A tunesmith of original light- classical folk-art who knows her Celt-gospel craft through and through. Produced by John McCabe (of Keith Getty fame) for edification and easy-listening, the elegantly-rich sounding project boasts some multi-colored self-penned gems among the hymnal evergreens. It’s good to hear her lesser known new songs amid such classics as “What Wondrous Love Is this”, ‘Lord Of the Dance”, “Nearer My God To Thee” and “King of Love”) each of which have been commendably treated anew. The devotional songs are given the Watson warm-violin treatment augmented by the majesty of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. This breed of album is nowadays moderately uncommon and therefore, will be sought out by the Celtic-folk devotee.

This album from a Michigan-based singer, songwriter and instrumentalist brings together a selection of her own compositions, traditional folk hymns and sacred music in an easy listening meets classical styled package. There's no doubting Watson's skills as a performer. Jean's clear, strong voice betrays her classical training without ever becoming so ornamented that it sits awkwardly in the modern arrangements. Her own compositions are gently meditative and delve into the mysteries of faith. "Mystery Unveiled" considers the miracle of the incarnation, "Purple And Red" the depths of the Father's love for his children while "Mother's Day" is dedicated to mothers who have known the loss of a child. The hymns are handled with similar delicacy - even school assembly favourite "Lord Of The Dance" has Celtic-tinged new life breathed into it. Sonically the CD is sumptuous; tasteful contemporary production from Keith Getty collaborator Joni McCabe and strings provided by the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra see to that. If your tastes run to gently inspirational worshipful music with an orchestral feel then 'Unveiled' will add welcome textures to your CD collection.

Beautiful Christian CD. Pick up a copy today!
Reviewer: Charles N. and RadioIndy (click for website)
"Unveiled" by Jean Watson, is a CD that has a cleansing and healing effect. This effect is the result of Jean's beautiful flowing voice backed by impressive arrangements and excellent recording quality. There's a noticeable mix of electric, classical, folk and pop influences on the CD. With neatly welded musical instruments, and its appropriate vocal match, the CD puts at the disposition of the listener a distinct spiritual source of relaxation, a sense of liberation and internal freedom. The passion of God uniquely articulated via the lyrical compositions of this album, suggests that Jean has an ardent love for God and the talent and compassion to communicate His love. It ministered to us as we listened to the title "Nearer my God" over and over again. This number, which has a classical feel, sung with perfect vocal pitch and accompanied by a skillfull play of piano, truly takes the listener many steps closer to God. Wow! the title "Come Holy Spirit," has a beautiful display of violin, woven into its appealing lyrics, and attests to Jean's talent and spiritual side. It helps prepare one's heart for the Spirit of God. If you enjoy comtemporary Christian melody that touches the soul, you will enjoy this CD. Pick up a copy today!

I am blown away by your voice - such clarity and very 'Old English/Celtic' a bit like Loreena McKennitt/Enya/Mary Black - Some of the electronic percussion and sub bass is a bit evocative of Bjork's stuff - Superb production - great orchestra/band. May God's Grace and Blessing continue to be poured out on you in your ministry

Christmas Presence is a double-entendre from Jean Watson, a devout Christian who wants listeners to feel God's presence while enjoying the earthly pleasures of holiday gifts. In fact, this inspiring album operates as its own Christmas present to charitable causes; the artist tells me that the bulk of the proceeds will go to those in need, including an agency that works to feed and shelter homeless children in Nairobi. Isn't that what this season is truly about?

Jean Watson is somewhat reminiscent of Judy Collins, except that Watson's voice is more fragile; her delicate timbre lifts like a small wren bursting from the brush on a cold winter morning. Watson even resembles Collins a bit, with long dark hair, an honest, open face, and friendly eyes that appear to look right through you. She moves with easy grace through each number.

The album is a mix of the familiar and the unknown, the popular and the classical. The tone is contemplative, sweet and spare. The accompaniment is lovely, but relatively minimal, and this approach effectively showcases Watson's sweet and wistful tones. Her standout tracks include the opening "Of the Father's Love Begotten," a hauntingly beautiful 13th-century plainsong, and the gorgeous "Breath of Heaven," happily the longest cut on the disc; one would guess that Watson was born to sing ethereal tunes like these.

The liner notes helpfully provide all the lyrics, although the teensy-weensy font size severely challenges my aging eyes. In addition, at under 34 minutes, the album comes to a close way too soon.

The dulcet tones of Christmas Presence provide a soothing embrace during the harried holidays. Relax and enjoy!

--Carol Swanson

Jean Watson's arrangements infuse traditional Christian songs with a contemporary flavor, mixed with folk elements and tempered with classical restraint. Her voise is sweet, tender, and uniquely healing - it draws you into a special place of intimacy. This music tugs at your heart.

...This is probably one of the most beautiful projects I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. Simply gorgeous from start to finish!
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