Lou’s got class and an intoxicating vocal style.” That’s what audiences are saying about Jazz vocalist and pianist/composer Lou Watson. He blends his deep, warm, sonorous baritone together with songs of his own creation, in the classic Jazz/R&B tradition, to produce sensuous, romantic, and truly timeless musical creations. Lou has that special kind of magic that comes with musical maturity. It’s an inherent ease, an innate knowing.
   Unquestionably in his prime, Lou Watson’s consummate artistry is on full display on It Doesn’t Matter, his debut album on the Village Notz™ Music label. Lou was educated at Livingston College of Rutgers University. There, he was exposed to jazz greats Kenny Barron, Larry Ridley, Ted Dunbar and a host of other who’s who in the jazz world. Lou later left to tour with the R&B singing sensations “The Manhattans” as well as The “Drifters Review” as pianist and musical director. Here Lou got a taste for life on the road as he toured the concert circuit. “It was great to bask in the rewards of a hit record. The experience of playing in places like the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC and be treated like a world class artist was most enjoyable.”
   Although Lou served as supporting cast for many of these groups, he would always get compliments on his speaking as well as his singing voice. Once, while singing as an opening act for the Drifters Review in Corpus Christi, TX, Lou received a standing ovation for his rendition of a then popular ballad. From that moment Lou realized that he had to make greater use of his vocal gift. Lou has been performing in nightclubs in the New York metropolitan area, as well as private affairs both as a solo pianist/vocalist and with his jazz trio, serving up stylish renditions of traditional jazz standards. Lou has also performed with countless concert tours and road productions.
   Most recently completing a four city tour of Israel and singing “Old Man River” in a local production of Showboat. Different stylistic genres, and artists such as Johnny Hartman, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Patti Austin, Kurt Elling and Dianne Reeves influence Lou’s vocal style. His R&B musical heritage, united with jazz, funk, pop and gospel, combine to form his highly personal, distinctive vocal style. All of these influences helped inform Lou’s own musical choices.
   A singer of ballads and standards so adept at establishing and sustaining a pervasive mood, he often makes everything outside the musical moment seem trivial. Easing into a situation, and working toward an emotional tone so deep, that once established it seems medicinal, Lou’s voice warms the body and soothes the soul like an intoxicating tonic.