Exclusive With Interview - JW - Jones - VizzTone Artist

Bman: Hi JW. I appreciate you taking the time out from what little time you must have right now to talk with me. You just released your new cd, 'SEVENTH HOUR', on March 27, 2012. I had a chance to review it and it was quite good. I noticed a departure from what I percieve as you style on earlier releases. Tell me about your new cd.

JW: The main focus for this disc was to not put limitations on the music. I wrote songs that feel good to me, and if they are not 100% traditional blues, that's just the way they came out. I think it's a great mix that pleases both camps, but the more contemporary/different material will appeal to a younger audience. Steve Dawson mixed this record, and it was the first time since working with Kim Wilson in 2004 that I've had a third-party do mixing. It was a great experience and the results are amazing, Steve knocked it out of the park!


Bman: Yes , you both did! It may just be me but did you hold back a little on guitar for this recording and push a little harder on the vocals?

JW: I try to play whatever feels best for the vision of the song. On a song like "So Long I'm Gone", it was more melodic where as on "You Got Caught", I let loose more and let the passion flow.

Bman: What has the initial reception been to this new release?


JW: So far it's received great reviews, and fans tell me it's their favorite yet!

Bman:That's what it's all about!! I know when we spoke 6 months or so back you were working on the recording. How do you feel about the final product. Would you change anything?

JW: Each recording is a snap-shot of where I was in my life and as an artist. So, the way it comes out is exactly as it should be. Already, I feel like I could make a better record next time, and it's that constant desire to out-do the previous release that keeps things challenging and growing.


Bman: It takes so long to get stuff done and the artistic juices continue to flow. Once we've done something we move on. I had heard that you are getting ready to hit the road. Europe is it? Is there a schedule that I can share for this? Do you have other bands that you are set to tour with?



JW: We're already one show into the tour, dates are all on facebook page and website. Last night I jammed with Raphael Wressnig and Alex Shultz, their organ trio is amazing. I've seen Raph once before, and I grew up listening to Alex on the Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers recordings. Always an amazing experience to play with my heroes, and especially when they are such nice guys too!


DATES ANNOUNCED - EUROPEAN TOUR - APRIL 2012
April in France, Germany, Belgium, Italy
Apr 14 Ambon Music Festival - Ambon, France
Apr 15 Le Bacardi - Callac, France
Apr 16 --
Apr 17 Taverne L’Hotel de Ville - Chatelet, Belgium
Apr 18 Herzog Ernst - Celle, Germany
Apr 19 Savoy - Bordesholm, Germany
Apr 20 Café Tach - Nettetal, Germany
Apr 21 --
Apr 22 Caf' Conc' - Ensisheim, France
Apr 23 Stile Libero - Cento, Italy - ITALY IS THE 18th COUNTRY WE'VE TOURED!

Bman: Are you going to hit the states? Is there a schedule for that?

JW: Next US tour will be January/February 2013... keep your eyes on the website for details!

Bman: Are you already working on material for your next release or do you knuckle down and do it in spurts?

JW: Right now, I am in the mode of gathering ideas for the next album, but mainly want to make sure I put the focus on getting this one out there first.

Bman: I appreciate you taking the time to talk with me. Is there anything else that you'd like to share with your fans?

JW: Thank you! Without all of the support we get from audiences, media, and venues everywhere, I couldn't live this dream. I consider myself very fortunate, lucky, and grateful for being able to do what I love. Readers should keep in touch on the facebook page - www.facebook.com/jwjonesblues - I post photos and stories on there several times per week... a little insight to life on the road! - JW

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Solid Blues Records artist: JW-Jones - Seventh Hour- New Release Review

I just received a copy of JW-Jones new release Seventh Hour. Jones is taking a slightly different approach to this release and it could garner larger appeal. The 10 track release starts off with Ain't Gonna Beg which is rooted in R&B styling but actually bringing to mind early Yardbirds recordings. Of course there is a healthy scoop of blues guitar staying to JW's roots. Let It Go, a poppy tune, comes out with a jazzy step and produces some really tasty riffs on guitar. In A Song begins with a heavy tom tom rhythm and defines the pace of the tune but JW changes it up for the chorus with the full band breaking to more a rock beat. The guitar solos are all blues, double stops and bends, in reference to Jones' roots and pushing the track into a full rocker. You Got Caught has it's roots in the early R&B blues tracks and really gets a good groove going. I especially like the guitar solo on this with the surf tremolo sustains and articulate picking. All Over Again continues in the R&B style. I don't recall hearing any keys solos on earlier tracks but the Hammond cuts through. JW whips out a cool solo on this tune as well. Heartbreaker is another new path at the edge of Texas swing... with steel guitars and all. Now you have to understand that I hear the similarity in music and this could also be jump blues if you omitted the steel guitar, but JW does some of his most fluid guitar riffs and runs on this tune. Its a tapper! Do For You is back in the R&B / Blues groove. This gives JW the opportunity to really stretch his playing and you can sit back in your chair and close your eyes... and nod along. He gets a really cool groove going on this one...possibly my favorite solo on the release. I'm Trying gets into the Texas groove and we all know that JW can pound this track every which way from Sunday! He gets on that stinger note and rides it. The guitar work is great on this song is terrific... JW...sure you ain't from Texas? What Is Real returns to the R&B style feel. So Long I'm Gone is like a honky tonk rocker and is a great conclusion to the set. JW gets those rockabilly riffs (and the Hawaiian style) steel parts cranking. This is a different release from JW-Blues and one that I think will be well received!

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Somebody - Little Jimmy King JW Jones & Fernando Noronha

Manuel Gales, 4 December 1968, Memphis, Tennessee, USA, d. 21 July 2002, Memphis, Tennessee, USA. Citing Albert King and Jimi Hendrix as influences, King’s guitar style exhibited an uneasy amalgam of both disparate elements, which he struggled to mould into a recognizably individual sound. He and twin brother Daniel received acoustic guitars for Christmas when they were six. Being left-handed like his mentors, he learned to play ‘upside-down-and-backwards’ and graduated to an electric model soon afterwards. As a teenager, he played in whichever Beale Street clubs would let him in. In 1984, he was seen by Albert King and worked with his band for four years, at the end of which he changed his name legally to King and was ‘adopted’ as a grandson by his band leader. After King’s death, he took over the band and renamed it the Memphis Soul Survivors, with whom his 1991 debut album was made. For his second, King recruited the Hi Rhythm Section, calling them the King James Version Band, and also cut several tracks with Double Trouble, the late Stevie Ray Vaughan’s band. More noticeably than his debut album, this was caught between traditional blues and its rock equivalent. The following year he recorded an album with his guitar playing brothers, Eric Gales and Eugene Gales. He teamed up with soul veteran Willie Mitchell for his third studio album, Soldier For The Blues. King’s rising career was cut short by his untimely death in July 2002.
Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! - ”LIKE”

'Seventh Hour' Preview 2 - JW - Jones

You like me are probably awaiting JW - Jones new cd to be released in March. Stay tuned for our 2nd interview with JW - Jones soon!
This is an opportunity to support real music. In a time where so much has gone to the digital world, we're playing real grooves through tube-amps and Hammond organs to keep everything right in the music world. We've been playing blues, rock'n'roll, and swing for over a decade. Though we're slowly moving up the food chain, we can't do it without a little help... your help.

We're looking to raise $5,000 to cover the costs of manufacturing and shipping of promo CD's to radio, television, venues, and blues societies that will help us create a buzz about this wicked project. It's not cheap to get the CD into the hands of each contact, but it's important! They are the people that make it possible for us to continue writing, recording, and playing live music... and we like making music, to entertaining good folks like you!


The best part about Indie GoGo is that no pledge goes unrewarded! On the right hand side of the screen you will notice a list of "perks" that we will offer in return for pledging your support.

We hope to reach our goal within 15 days. Please read over all of the info, and check out our photos and videos, and feel free to comment on whatever you feel is worthy while you're at it!

Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here

JW-JONES - BREAKING BOUNDARIES WITH THE NEW CD 'SEVENTH HOUR' - March 2012

Canada's Top Touring Bluesman, JW-Jones is moving up with a boundary breaking CD. On his 7th release, aptly titled 'Seventh Hour', Jones has teamed up with multi-Juno award winning artist/producer, Steve Dawson, to mix the album. Previous releases have featured legendary guests Hubert Sumlin (Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters) and David "Fathead" Newman (Ray Charles); heavy-hitters Kim Wilson (Fabulous Thunderbirds) and Charlie Musselwhite; two of the most innovative guitarists of our time, Little Charlie Baty and Junior Watson; and Canadian billboard favorite, Colin James. Jones has cut records from Hollywood to Sun Studios in Memphis. Guitar World Magazine featured a CD called ‘Guitar Masters Vol. 2’ that put Jones alongside guitar stars B.B. King, Jimmy Page, and Carlos Santana among others, and he recently landed an endorsement deal with Gibson guitars. After performing in 17 countries, 4 continents, and releasing 6 critically acclaimed discs, it's time for a change. No famous guests. No fancy studios. This is JW-Jones and his band doing what they do best - right at home, recorded in J-Dub's living room by his go-to engineer for the last decade, Jason Jaknunas. Tracked on a crisp fall weekend, this cool release is sure to stir up some discussion about where his music is going as he soars in a vibrant new direction. Shattering visual boundaries is also an integral part of this project. Art director and commercial photographer Mitch Lenet (Panasonic, Subaru, Bell), has developed a concept for this package with cutting edge technology that is guaranteed to turn heads in the music and fashion world. While keeping one foot firmly planted in the roots he came from, Jones believes that appealing to a younger audience is the most important way to ensure the evolution of blues-based music. .
Support Bman and your favorite band or venue - click Here

Ruf Records artist: My Home is a Prison - JW-JONES

Here's a cool blues tune from JW - Jones!JW-Jones has one of the most energetic and exciting live shows on the scene. It is no surprise that he has played throughout the world (CANADA, USA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL) and some of the biggest names in blues today, including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rod Piazza, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, The Mannish Boys and the legendary Hubert Sumlin have invited him to join them on stage.

JW Jones Blues Band

JW-Jones (born July 15, 1980) is a Canadian blues guitarist, singer and band leader. Jones is signed to the NorthernBlues Music label in Toronto, Canada, CrossCut Records in Europe, and Ruf Records in USA. In the last decade, he has released six albums and played in 17 countries, 4 continents, over 260 cities and over 1000 appearances. Jones, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, has performed at blues festivals and clubs in Canada, US, Europe, Australia, and Brazil. He records and tours with drummer Jeff Asselin, and Hammond organ player Jesse Whiteley. "J-Dub" endorses Gibson Guitars.
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gangster of Love - JW-Jones

"One of this country's top blues guitar stars" writes the Globe and Mail about 29-year old, JW-Jones.
JW-Jones has one of the most energetic and exciting live shows on the scene. It is no surprise that he has played throughout the world (CANADA, USA, EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, BRAZIL) and some of the biggest names in blues today, including The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Little Charlie & The Nightcats, Rod Piazza, Anson Funderburgh with Sam Myers, The Mannish Boys and the legendary Hubert Sumlin have invited him to join them on stage.
During a special appearance with the band, Hollywood celebrity and fan, Dan Aykroyd said, "this is an amazing blues band, and I've played with the best!" Mr. Aykroyd wrote the liner notes for the 2008 release ‘Bluelisted’.
The new record "Midnight Memphis Sun" features special guest stars Hubert Sumlin and Charlie Musselwhite, while past CDs have had world-class musicians David ‘Fathead’ Newman (Ray Charles sax player), Little Charlie Baty, Junior Watson, Colin James, and multi-Grammy nominee Kim Wilson who appears on two discs and produced ‘My Kind of Evil’ in 2004.

Their music has garnered radio-play worldwide, including heavy rotation on commercial radio stations, and features on shows such as the internationally syndicated House of Blues Radio Hour.
In 2009, Guitar World Magazine featured a CD called ‘Guitar Masters Vol. 2’ that put Jones alongside guitar stars B.B. King, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana and more.
The buzz this band has created over the last decade has earned them a national award - the Maple Blues Award for Electric Act of the Year, and rave reviews throughout the globe. Jones endorses Gibson guitars, has been featured in Blues Revue Magazine and can be found in the books All Music Guide to Blues and Penguin Guide to Blues Recordings.
Musicians that tour with Jones, Jeff Asselin (drums) and the heavy grooves of Jesse Whiteley (organ) always add a powerful energy to the stage.
Canada's Top Touring Blues Act, Jones and his band are born entertainers, and with their unique sound, they continue to set the world on fire one country at a time!
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Real Gone Lover - JW-Jones featuring Little Charlie Baty

JW-Jones (born July 15, 1980) is a Canadian blues guitarist, singer and band leader. Jones is signed to the NorthernBlues Music label in Toronto, Canada, CrossCut Records in Europe, and Ruf Records in USA. In the last decade, he has released six albums and played in 17 countries, 4 continents, over 260 cities and over 1000 appearances. Jones, who lives in Ottawa, Ontario, has performed at blues festivals and clubs in Canada, US, Europe, Australia, and Brazil. He records and tours with drummer Jeff Asselin, and Hammond organ player Jesse Whiteley. "J-Dub" endorses Gibson Guitars.

Little Charlie Baty has been long associated with the popular blues band 'Little Charlie and the Nightcats' that existed for over 30 years and recorded ten CDs for Alligator Records. After his decision to retire from non-stop touring, Charlie put his energy into starting a small gypsy jazz and swing combo that played across musical lines. Charlie's love of the music of Django Reinhardt, fused with his extensive knowledge of blues and swing, provides a unique guitar voice in the gypsy style. Jason Vanderford was invited to participate as a guitarist from the celebrated group 'Hot Club of San Francisco' and his strong rhythmic pulse, youthful energy, and interesting solo ideas greatly enhance the project. Long time musicologist and multi-talented instrumentalist Bob Armstrong was also called on to join the Caravan, and brings an incredible knowledge of songs from the 20's and beyond along with the skill to play guitar, steel guitar, ukelele, accordion, and saw. This plethora of sound possibilities greatly expands the quartet sound. Finally, the bass position was filled by Keith Cary, another musician who excels on many instruments and is familiar with swing, polka, country western, and many other important genres for the Little Charlie Caravan. The Little Charlie Caravan is currently unsigned and is in the process of rehearsing and developing new material. Check this site often for updates. Thanks! Little Charlie Baty on guitar, Jason Vanderford on guitar, Bob Armstrong on accordion, saw, uke, steel guitar and guitar, Keith Cary on string bass
Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

JW Jones Interview

I recently had the opportunity to catch up with JW Jones and he was kind enough to give us a little insight to his world.
Bman: Tell us how you got started. How long have you been playing?

JW : My dad used to play folk music, but more of my influence came from friends in the neighborhood. I grew up with a bunch of Greek guys that introduced me to Zeppelin and Hendrix and then later to the Fabulous Thunderbirds, B.B., etc. My first gigs were as a drummer, talent shows at school etc. My first proper gig as a guitar player was sometime around 1998, about two years after picking it up. It was probably opening for a UK band called "The Hoax" at a venue that no longer exists - Perfect Strangers, in Ottawa. I wasn't singing at the time, so I had a singer, drummer, bassist and keyboard player. We covered all of my favourite blues artists at the time, most of whom are the same today!

Bman: As a drummer. Interesting. Me too... although I'm not accomplished at it any more that as a guitar player. You know Jack White (Stripes, Raconteurs)started on drums too!

Bman: You have a number of great CD's out. Can you tell us which is your favorite and why.

JW : My "favourite" (Candian spelling haha) is usually my most recent, because I feel that we improve with every record. However, now and then, I will hear one of our old tracks on the radio or at a club and it will spark some memories, or remind me of some cool tracks we've recorded over the years. Of all my studio memories, I still cherish working with Kim Wilson on My Kind of Evil more than anything. Probably because I got to hang out and learn from one of my biggest influences for two weeks straight. It was like a dream-world every day, waking up and going for coffee and hearing the stories about the old days at Antone's and learning about how to deliver the "real thing" and what it all meant to him. Great memories. I have been so fortunate, and I mean it with all my heart, to have worked with my heroes, and great musicians and friends. I am a very lucky guy.

Bman: You have shared the stage with a number of great players. Are there any particular moments that stand out in your mind.

JW : In recent years we've done some festivals in Canada, USA, and Europe with Little Charlie Baty, and had some really great moments playing blues and swing with him. He's just absolutely unbelievable, and it really forces me to be a better guitarist when he's around. Not just when he's there on stage, but the affect is has on my playing on gigs after he's gone is where I really notice it. He's taught me many lessons as well, music and business stuff that can only come from a guy with as much experience as Charlie. Another great memory was playing with Hubert Sumlin for the first time. I was still pretty green at the time, and on a low down blues tune, I was playing some classic sounding rhythm stuff when he gave me a look that felt like he was giving me the "you're OK kid" kinda look. That kind of moment goes a long way, and is worth a lot more than any awards or nice reviews.

Bman: Yeah. I know what you're saying. He's seen it all. We know it isn't all about fast riffs and outrageous act... its the one note. Hubert knows and it's cool that he gave you the nod!

Bman: I'm a gear head. Tell me about your setup and what guitars you like to play and what kind of amp you typically favor.

JW : It always surprises the "guitar geeks", but I really don't know anything about amps, tubes, speakers, etc. I started with a Fender Strat that was a gift from my grandparents, played that straight for 9 years, and occasionally using my Gibson ES-295 for a few years in there before I started to worry about it's safety while traveling. In 2007, I switched to an Epiphone Dot (335 copy at a fraction of the price) after playing Rusty Zinn's guitar while sitting in with Mark Hummel. I couldn't believe how much easier it felt to play than the Strat. Why had I been battling a guitar for this long when this thing was so much easier to play!? A couple years later, I played Teddy Leonard's gold top Les Paul, and felt the same thing yet again, except this was even easier to play than the Epiphone Dot. This wasn't just any gold top though, it was chambered (lighter than a strat), and had a 60's profile neck on it. It shattered all my ideas of Les Paul's being impossible to play because of the heaviness and baseball-bat neck. I was in heaven! A few months later I tracked down the last of its kind in Canada, and have been playing it ever since. I now endorse Gibson Guitars as well, which is a fun step in my career that is kinda cool. Amp wise, I used to use a Bassman with Reverb Tank, but now my baby is a Fender Vibro-King, custom shop amp with 3 x 10" speakers and on-board reverb control with mix, dwell, and tone. I absolutely love this amp!

Bman: Well, a strat is the most common electric guitar on the planet so it isn't surprising that you started there. It was my first as well. 295 is a nice little guitar. I have a 225 with p90's . Gets a really nice round fat tone. Cool. Yeah... dangerous carrying older instruments on the road. They have a habit of getting broken or stolen. A friend of mine, Ron Armstrong, who was an ex Alembic, Stars, Excaliber guitar guy told me that I should get an Epi dot. He rigged it up for me with split coils and phasing as well as some Bart pickups. It really does a nice job and like you say, if someone steps on it, the cost isn't that high. Really nice instruments. I know what you're saying about the Les Paul. It is like a fine machine compared to the Dot, and it is really versatile. But I prefer to play it sitting. Clapton and Beck both changed over to strats just because of the weight. The LP does play really beautifully and easy and if you get a good one and the setup is great... it's hard to beat. I'm sure that the chambering has made a big difference not only in weight but I understand that it has helped in getting the golden tone. I have big hands and really love the feel of a baseball bat neck. You should try the obsolete and funky looking Martin EM 18's. They have a very unusual neck that really feels comfortable. Congratulations on the endorsement. That's great!! Regarding your amps, I really like the clean sound of the Fenders as well. The 10" speakers create such a nice full wall of sound without blowing everyone out of the club.

Bman: I see that you're currently on tour in Europe. The crowds there are getting a real treat. Are you set to tour the states any time soon?

JW : We are playing Norwood and Syracuse, NY in July, and then we probably won't head south again until January 2012 when we head back down to Key West to avoid the Canadian winter!

Bman: Good thinking!

Your music covers a lot of blues territory. Do you see yourself going more one direction than another?

JW : I try not to think of it as following one style. I just go wherever the tune takes me, and if it feels good, I am on the right track.

Bman: You seem to have great instincts there! Who are your greatest influences?

JW : B.B. King, Kim Wilson, Little Charlie Baty, Jimmie Vaughan, Junior Watson, Larry Taylor, Richard Innes, Anson Funderburgh, Charlie Parker, and a huge list that could go on and on!!

Bman: I know what you're saying. There is so much good stuff to listen to! Then what's your favorite blues cut of all time?

JW : Yikes, that is a scary question. Maybe B.B. King, Worry Worry, from Live at the Regal. I'll go with that!

Bman: Yeah. I love that cd a lot.

Bman: I appreciate the time. Please keep us posted of what you're up to and we'll be watching for you to come round here soon!