Primary Instrument: Saxophone
A native of South Louisiana, Joyce's musical influence came early and often because her grandfather (Freeman Fontenot) was a musician and one of the originators of Zydeco music. Most of the family gatherings included music and dance, along with the strong influence of blues, jazz, R&B, gospel and zydeco. All of this contributed and influenced her musical development and style. Also, Joyce’s instrumental music education degree provided knowledge and training in other musical styles, including classical and jazz, which has allowed her to be more creative in writing and composing music.
Joyce started playing the clarinet in middle school; however, she switched to the tenor sax in 12th grade. Later, she added the alto sax and flute in college. After an approximate 20-year hiatus, Joyce returned to her love and passion for music and released her first CD, “Sweet Dreams”, in 2010. Now, you will find Joyce and her band, Expressions, playing in several venues and events in the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. You will also hear her tracks on several radio stations throughout the world.
The CD is a collection of instrumental (alto/soprano sax and flute) and vocal music created to calm, sooth, and bring healing to the deep recesses of your soul. Her music has been labeled Christian, Inspirational Jazz, Smooth Jazz, and Smooth/Contemporary Gospel, but she plays all styles, including Straight Ahead and Mainstream Jazz. She was recently nominated Best Female Artist by the South Florida Gospel Music Awards and was awarded by the ASCAPLUS Awards panel for original work on her first CD and an original musical score entitled, “Glory to God”.
Joyce has been featured in several radio and television shows such as Joshua’s House for Christian Artists, Jazzy100.com streaming music and commentary around the world, GHP Radio Network, Bethlehem Baptist Church Television Program, The Ester Davis Talk Show, LA Jazz, The Patrick Cook Radio Show, Wendy Williams’ WNUR 89.3 FM Inspirational Jazz hour, Smooth Jazz Radio with Audiorealm.com internet radio, Tehillah Praise TPBN Radio, GHP Radio, KJAZZ (itrack radio), etc. Although Joyce is a solo artist and has her own band, Expressions, she is also a member of The Faith Band.
Awards:
Nominated Best Female Artist by the S. Florida Gospel Music Award Sponsorship Received an award by the ASCAPLUS Awards Panel original music on the CD, “Sweet Dreams”, and original musical score entitled, “Glory to God” in 2010 and 2011 Coffee Talk Jazz Heart and Soul Instrumental Award 2011Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
