knowcharliejones Guitarist and songwriter Charlie Jones has been a mainstay of the tri-state club scene since the 1970's, and has appeared with many top jazz and R&B greats, including: Bettye Lavette, Big John Patton, Illinois Jaquette, Jimmy McGriff, Bernard Purdie, Jesse Morrison, Larry Young, and Lonnie Youngblood. Produced by Charlie Jones and Rob Melosh, the CD contains 13 original Charlie Jones’ compositions and a cover of “Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum. Phil Butler has left the band due to tintinitus. When not playing music, Charlie is an adjunct guitar and Jazz ensemble instructor at New York University. Charlie Jones is in residence at the Great Notch Inn in Little Falls, NJ every other Thursday night at 10 PM.
- r e v i e w s - "The brand new self-titled debut recording by Charlie Jones offers something for every music fans’ tastes. This CD has no genre boundaries, is executed to perfection, and many of the tracks will either grab you by your heart, or rock you into orbit! This is one very impressive solid effort."
|
- r e v i e w s - Charlie Jones has been an influential part of the blues scene since the 1970's, performing with Bettye Lavette, the Jimi Hendrix Alumni Band and participating in the Joni Mitchell Tribute Concert. Between performances, he is an adjunct professor at New York University. Charlie's heavy mix of blues, rock and psychedelic funk makes this master musician a diverse and intriguing part of the past and current music scene. The music of Charlie Jones cannot be contained by one genre. His music is heavy with blues and ripe with funk and progressive rock. Jones's style drips with emotion and pure talent. Armed with a similarly talented band, Jones has the right medium with which to express his lyrics and music. ”Charlie Jones is Dead” is an old fashioned blues breakdown, with some southern style mixed in. Charlie's voice is smooth with a rugged edge. The electric guitar solo is searing and spot on. It starts off smooth and bluesy undertow and explodes into a psychedelic experience. So ”Unhappy Baby” starts off with a woodwind and brass accompaniment with Charlie's smoky vocals slowly taking over. His misfortune and despair rings true through his lyrics. The organ solo is a nice touch and brings in the southern style. The organ is then demolished by the heavy electric guitar that rips through at the end of the song. ”That's the Way She Feels About It” is a more progressive song, with smooth vocals and a contemporary pop feel. This song diverts away from Charlie's signature style. It is not as emotive as his other songs, but it shows off his range of style and techniques. Charlie Jones has one of those bands that you know puts on a great live show. Just listening to his tracks makes you feel as if you are in a smoky and poorly lit bar, hanging out with the regulars, rocking out to an amazing heartfelt blues band. INDIE In-Tune "Charlie Jones' eclecticism doesn't work against him, but rather draws heavily in his favor. He is a superb master of guitar and his diverse interests & abilities never seem less than coming straight from the heart. Whether he is regaling you with his blues, rock or jazz tinged musicality, there is always a 'joie de vivre' and energy at play music that is enthusiastically infectious. John Hammel,
|