MUSIC REVIEW: SHAWN
JONES
13th May 2006
Julie Hughes
On Saturday night, in Woosehill Scout
Hut, an American singer/songwriter, Shawn Jones, returned
to our small corner of the world to delight a growing
fan base with his huge, unadulterated talent. It was my
pleasure to be there.
This is his third visit to Wokingham,
as part of a UK tour. Shawn, used to playing in packed
stadiums to audiences of up to 40,000 or more, is quite
happy to share his love of music, and his absolute gift,
with a hundred or so people in a local scout hut. This
humble venue, decorated only with a short string of coloured
lights to mark out a make-shift stage area, offered only
a few seats, picnic benches, wonky tables, and milk crates
for the delighted listeners of this house concert. Nothing
else was needed. Shawn held us captivated whilst he performed
for over 2 hours. High energy, incredible skill, complete
originality, and inspirational musicianship are now synonymous
with this incredibly self-effacing man. We were indeed
privileged to be there.
Shawn was supported by Bob Gross,
a bass player who clearly enjoyed being part of this show.
Another rare and experienced talent, he was able to find
distinction by his seemingly effortless playing, complementing
Shawn perfectly, yet allowing us to appreciate the complexities
and range of this instrument.
A nineteen year old drummer from Northern
Ireland, Gerry Morgan, who is currently studying music
is London, was also part of the line up. He displayed
style and pizzazz – his ability clearly recognised
by the guitarists, who generously allowed him to receive
full credit for his performance. An amazing future in
music must surely await him.
Shawn possesses a rasping, yet sweet
and deep, textured voice - he is able to deliver heart-rending
songs with great emotion. But he can also vary tone and
pace considerably – heads were bopping, hands were
tapping and feet were moving to ‘I’m Going Down’
- a fusion of rock and blues. Yes, he surely has a voice
in the best blues’ tradition, incorporating warmth
and character. ‘All in Good Time’ is another
classic; likewise, ‘Some Kind of Mistake’ -
a funky, blues’ shuffle, with an insistent rhythm
that, whilst being sustained, was overlaid with a myriad
of interesting, unexpected sounds. His original material,
and some personal anecdotes that he shared during the
course of the evening, seemed to resonate with the experiences
of his rapt audience.
A few tracks were also played as tributes
to other accomplished artists – for example, Hendrix’s
‘Wind Cried Mary’ was absolutely faultless (better
than the original); it really was poetry in motion. I
am stunned by his skill. A penultimate song gave us the
words ‘See you in the next world, Don’t be late’.
You cannot afford to miss out, either, so don’t.
Shawn Jones is a modest and unassuming
man; he reaches out to the audience, bearing his soul
in a most human and fine way. Try to spend some time with
him – he will not disappoint. You will not be dazzled
by bright lights, but by an immense, talent. He is an
original in every sense, equally at home with both electric
and acoustic guitars, singing, arranging, and writing.
As a musician, he displays incredible dexterity; he was
made to perform and we thank him for it.
Look for details of future gigs on
his website and try to see him before he is homeward bound.
Julie Hughes
Shawn Jones
Talking Heads
Southampton
May 5th 2005
A chance
meeting with singer-songwriter Shawn from California earlier
in the day led to me changing my schedule to catch his
act at the Heads. And I’m glad I did. His act was
sandwiched between sets by two bands, Brown and Murmur.
Openers Brown were a hard act to follow - they are a very
punchy soul outfit with a very intense singer on keyboards,
and they are obviously going places.
But Shawn was a revelation - a left handed guitarist with
a soulful voice who put his all into his time on stage.
Many of the songs in his set came from his album ”All
In Good Time” which I will be reviewing next month
on this website. Songs like “Love’s Gonna Find
a Way,” “Long Goodbyes” and the title track.
An accomplished guitarist,
Shawn also produced a belting version of Hendrix anthem
“Voodoo Chile” and impressed throughout. Whether
playing slide or finger picking he sang with emotional
intensity and power, and came over as a very sincere guy
with firm
beliefs. Obviously a perfectionist, with the help of excellent
soundman Shaggy he ironed out a few sound problems early
on and gave 150% commitment in his varied, compelling
set.
His rootsy, bluesy act closed with a touching song dedicated
to his late father, “My Best Friend.” Shawn
assured me he would soon be back in the UK for another
tour, and I urge you to see him if you get the chance
- he’s something special.
Peter Ashton
PLAYING OUT LOUD!
www.playingoutloud.co.uk
