Shawn Jones
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Shawn Jones

Ventura, California, United States | INDIE

Ventura, California, United States | INDIE
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"SHAWN JONES - Have Guitar, Will Travel"

Shawn Jones is the epitome of American Roots/Rock music.

He has proven over time that he has an international appeal. He is true to form of his influences, spanning from all the greats in Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz & Country. His father raised him on Hank Williams, and he grew up in the outskirts of Los Angeles, where he learned from experience how to play and sing the blues.

Since his late teens, Shawn has been working away, at times in excess of 200 dates a year, creating new fans and followers literally everywhere he performs. With three studio albums and one live album under his belt, Shawn’s skills as a seasoned songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist have put him on the same bill with the likes of BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks, Little Feat, Joe Bonamassa, David Lindley, and others.

Q: How and when did you get started playing the Blues, and how did you learn how to play your guitar like that (smile)?

A: My father raised me on Hank Williams, Waylon, Willie, and a bunch of classic country music. He played basic chords with feeling and sang his heart out! That’s really how I started. He gave me his old guitar for Christmas when I was 9 and bought himself a new Martin. I still have his Martin guitar now & it’s my prize possession. My stepmother gave me her copy of Jimi Hendrix “Are You Experienced” and I was hooked! So, I fell in love with songwriting, singing and guitar playing at a very early age and I haven’t been able to set the guitar down ever since.

Q: You are an extremely hard working musician, and have been working more than 200 dates a years since your late teens; do you think doing so many live performances helped you as an artist?

A: Being a better musician is about challenging yourself to improve your craft – and nothing works better in that regard than performing. I love playing music more than anything, and although it’s not an easy road I’ve chosen, I love what I do for a living. I’ve played with some of the finest musicians on the planet and all of my touring/traveling from music has broadened my view of the world.

Q: You’ve shared the bill with greats like BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell and list goes on… Who are some of your favorite songwriters and singers and have you ever played with any of them?

A: Some of my best singer/songwriter associations aren’t the obvious ones that leap to mind. One of my earliest mentors is a guy by the name of Chris Darrow. He’s from the Inland Empire area where I grew up in Southern California. He was one of the founding members of a 60’s group, Kaleidoscope and one of the founding members of “The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band”. Chris also wrote Ben Harper’s first single “Whipping Boy”. He’s been a session and road guy for many of the greats. Chris took me under his wing in my early 20’s and really showed me the ropes. I often write with Jeff Silbar who won a Grammy for penning “Wind Beneath My Wings”. He’s a real wordsmith and always strives to make a song the best it can be. Local guitarist/songwriter Ed Berghoff is very talented and has had a good deal of success as a writer and player. We really enjoy writing together. There’s a new guy I know on the scene from Belfast, Northern Ireland named Gareth Dunlop who is a young, soulful cat that is really going places. I also love the classic blues and early soul singers. I recently did a show with Robert Cray. He’s one of the greatest soul singers of our time and a guitar legend.
He was a real gentleman as well. I just played guitar on Deana Carter’s new album and have been touring with her for years now. I think she’s a fantastic singer/songwriter as well. She writes all kinds of music in all different styles. I’ve written with Steve Wariner and we’ve been good friends for years now. He’s a brilliant guitarist/singer/songwriter. I’ve lived in Nashville off and on for a long time now. There are songwriters there that will blow your mind! It’s a real music Mecca and I’ve learned so much living there.

Q: What was working with Waylon Jennings like?

A: Incredible! I was introduced to Waylon by my dear friend entertainment producer/director, Steve Binder. That chapter in my journey really changed my life. He was a really great storyteller, and amazing entertainer, and really had his own style. Waylon actually managed me for about a year, and had me play on his 1996 release “Right For The Time”. We did the Lollapalooza tour with Metallica, Soundgarden, & The Ramones. He also had me play with him in Luckenbach, TX with Willie Nelson. One of my biggest lessons from Waylon was just how to be yourself and do it with confidence. The industry wants to mold you and shape you into something. And there are those like Waylon that set the bar.

Q: You’ve recorded four studio albums to date, is there one album you enjoyed recording the most, or more fulfilling than any of the others?

A: I really enjoyed working on them all for the time they represented in my life.
Although “All In Good Time” (my third project) was an emotional and healing experience after the loss of my dad. The album was produced by David Z (Prince, Johnny Lang, Etta James, etc…) and myself. My band at the time did a small BB Kings club tour. I then went to Iraq and played for the Troops, shortly followed by a tour of England and Ireland. That winter I also toured the Balkans for the USO. That was an unforgettable time in my life.

Q: What experiences are expressed or inspire your original songs?

A: I just never know where or when a song is coming or what it’s going to really be about until it comes through me. You have to write every day as well. Anything, just write.
I try to keep my antennas up. I think that songs are already out there. We just have to be receptive to them. To me the best lyrics are written in a way that make you feel as though someone is talking to you. That’s the best way I relate to them. Music, well, that’s just a mood that I’m in. I love good composition. I can’t just rely on inspiration to fuel my creativity; I have to really work at it.

Q: You have had international success as an artist too, what is different about playing in front of an over seas audience?

A: People are people and there is good and bad everywhere. I have spent a lot of time in Ireland and a bit in England and Holland. I play a lot of the festivals, clubs and do a fair amount of radio spots there. The Irish are such soulful people and have a real innate sense of musicality about them. I have threatened to live there and just may do so before it’s over! In other parts of the world they don’t seem to take for granted what we have in our own backyards. Blues and Jazz go over big there because it’s widely appreciated. We owe so much to them and their culture. I have found a real kinship with the Irish, and just love being over there.

Q: What is next for you and what new projects are you working on?

A: I am having a blast at the moment working on my new project with some of my favorite people who just happen to be musicians. My two main co-writers are Jeff Carter (Deana Carter’s brother and original guitarist) and Grammy-winning songwriter Jeff Silbar. I cut some of the basics in Ojai at Brotheryn Studios, and Mozambique Studio in the OC. I also cut some of the tracks at Jeff Silbar’s studio in LA. I’ve done the rest at my home in Ventura with local musician/producer/engineer Joe Baugh.
There are a stable of fantastic So Cal musicians and band mates on this album (Sam Bolle, Armen Chakmakian, Craig Macintyre, Will Macgregor, Jaymes Felix, Dean Cortez, Brenda Harp, Larry Mitchell, Tony Braunagel, Margaret Abrahams). I will have it done by the end of January 2012 and will do several CD release parties in the different regions where I play. The Party in Ventura will be at the W Gallery (Gardner building) on Saturday, March 10th 2012, which just happens to be my birthday! The owner, Mark Hartley has been kind enough to offer it to me, and I think it will be a fantastic venue for the show and release party. I am also planning another trip overseas, and a bunch of touring in the US in 2012.
The Journey continues…

Local upcoming shows:
W20 – Thursday, January 5tth – 7pm
W20 – Sunday, January 15th – 3pm
W20 – Thursday, January 26th – 7pm

CD Release party and birthday bash!
W Gallery – Saturday, March 10th 2012
W Gallery info: www.watermarkonmain.com

www.shawnjonesmusic.com
Facebook
MySpace
ReverbNation

For booking and info:
shawnjones@shawnjonesmusic.com
310-488-2170
- VC BUZZ


"Picks of the week 05/14/2009"

Picks of the week
05/14/2009
SHAWN JONES Often we don’t realize how many highly accomplished musicians are in our midst, playing bars and small clubs around Ventura County to smallish crowds. So it is with Shawn Jones, who’s been quietly establishing himself in Ventura’s music scene though he’s credited on records by a laundry list of R&B and Nashville heavy hitters. With five albums under his belt and a relentless U.S. and international touring schedule, Shawn’s skill as a songwriter and vocalist in the vein of Stevie Winwood has put him on stage with the likes of Leon Russell, Eric Johnson, Derek Trucks, David Lindley and others. In 2007 he played on Deanna Carter’s The Chain and Waylon Jennings was so impressed with his live performance that he took Jones under his wing, offering him recording and live gigs. Sunday, May 17, 2 p.m. Watermark W20 Lounge, 598 E. Main St., Ventura. 643-6800, www.myspace.com/shawnjonesmusic.
- Ventura County Reporter


"PLAYING OUT LOUD! REVIEWS"

California man Shawn Jones recently impressed at the Talking Heads in Southampton, and if this album doesn’t contain the excitement of a live gig, it certainly represents the work of a very talented singer-songwriter. Shawn composed all but one of the 11 tracks here, and with the help of BJ Rogers on drums, Will Macgregor on bass and his own dynamic guitar playing he has produced a fine album. Bluesy, soulful and rootsy, most of the songs are about love and relationships, sung in intense fashion by Shawn. Some of the arrangements are very Eric Clapton-ish, which is not a criticism! Stand-outs include “I Can’t Help Myself” and “There Was You” and the closing “My Best Friend,” a touching
tribute to Shawn’s Dad Danny who died eighteen months ago. Excellent. - THE guide to Live Music in the South UK


"Shawn Jones opens for Jimmie Vaughan at The Coach House!"


Robert Kinsler -

September 10th, 2010
As for second opener Shawn Jones, well, every time I have caught him live I’ve been more impressed. As outstanding as he was when I first saw him perform at the Doheny Blues Festival in May 2008, the talented singer-songwriter-guitarist just keeps getting better.
On Thursday night, he impressed mightily with accessible and infectious blues-rock, anchored by his dazzling guitar playing, formidable voice and original songwriting — all of which quickly won over many who were introduced to his craft during his forceful 40-minute performance. Songs such as the confessional “Glorybound” and the rocker “I Can’t Help Myself” proved how deftly Jones can blend Delta blues, gospel, folk and R&B into a winning style.
Yet, despite Jones’ clearly apparent all-around skills, the bandleader remains unsigned. The good news is that he performs in Orange County frequently, and his self-released albums deliver the same power he demonstrated here at the Coach House.

- Orange County Register


"Quotes"

“The first time I saw him, it was just Shawn and a guitar in a small room and he was drawing that music out of every fiber of himself. It was obvious to me that he is a world-class singer, writer and musician all wrapped into one.” ~ Waylon Jennings

"The most multi-talented guy since Keith Urban. Natural Soul, all the way. Beware if he's opening for you". ~ Craig Shelbourne CMT.com writer

“Shawn was a revelation - a left handed guitarist with a soulful voice who put his all into his time on stage. Whether playing slide or finger picking he sang with emotional intensity and power, and came over as a very sincere guy with firm beliefs.” ~ Peter Ashton, PLAYING OUT LOUD! UK

“Armed with a powerful and affecting voice, as well as virtuoso guitar skills that recall a bunch of blues greats, Jones’ compelling songs consequently prove to be the icing on the cake. He is able to tackle the R&B-flavored blues suggestive of Robert Cray on “Natural Soul” with as much ease as the more straight-forward blues rock of “I Can’t Help Myself.’ “ ~ ROBERT KINSLER, The Orange County Register

“With five albums under his belt and a relentless U.S. and international touring schedule, Shawn’s skill as a songwriter and vocalist in the vein of Stevie Winwood has put him on stage with the likes of Leon Russell, Eric Johnson, Derek Trucks, David Lindley and others.” ~ Bill Locey, Ventura County Star

“All In Good Time is a beautifully crafted series of songs, delivered from the heart by a master guitarist whose powerful vocals conjure up great strength and sensitivity. Shawn has an inner integrity sorely lacking in many of today's "manufactured" artists.” ~ John Rhys-Eddins, BluePower.com
- Shawn Jones


Discography

Live at Mozambique - 2007
This live recording showcases Jones’ undeniable roots/rock and blues ability as a guitar player, writer and powerful performer. "The most multi-talented guy since Keith Urban. Natural Soul, all the way. Beware if he's opening for you". Craig Shelbourne CMT.com writer

All In Good Time – 2005
Shawn Jones is one of those rare artists that can burrow their way into your soul. But Jones, who can count Waylon Jennings as a former employer and a fan, brings something other than talent to the table, he brings himself. Every song has a heart and this album is merely the latest stage in Jones's own journey.

Little Dreams – 2000
Sophomore release from Singer/Songwriter, Shawn Jones that is roots rock in the neighborhood of Clapton, Raitt, Colvin and Winwood

Natural Soul - 1998
Debut release - American roots rock with touches of country and blues

Photos

Bio

High Drive Management
PO Box 3653
Dana Point, CA 92629
866.564.4277
www.shawnjonesmusic.com
brenda@shawnjonesmusic.com

Shawn Jones is the epitome of American Roots/Rock music. He has proven over time that he has an international appeal. He is true to form of his influences, spanning from all the greats in Rock, Rhythm & Blues, Jazz & Country. His father raised him on Hank Williams, and he grew up in the outskirts of Los Angeles, where he learned from experience how to play and sing the blues. Since his late teens, Shawn has been working away, at times in excess of 200 dates a year, creating new fans and followers literally everywhere he performs. With three studio albums and one live album under his belt, Shawn’s skills as a seasoned songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist have put him on the same bill with the likes of BB King, Buddy Guy, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmie Vaughan, Willie Nelson, Leon Russell, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford, Derek Trucks, Little Feat, Joe Bonamassa, David Lindley, and others. Waylon Jennings was also so impressed with his live performance that he took Jones under his wing, offering him the grand opportunity to play on his 1996 release "Right For The Time." Shawn was also Waylon's lead guitarist on Lollapalooza, and Willie's 4th of July Picnic. Shawn’s third album, appropriately titled, “All In Good Time," was completed in the fall of 2005 with Grammy winning producer/engineer David Z. In 2007 he played on country artist Deana Carter’s Vanguard Records release "The Chain", and to this day tours with her as her guitarist.

Currently, Shawn is in the studio, working on his fifth album due out Spring, 2012. He's also been creating quite a buzz overseas, touring extensively in the U.K. and Ireland at some of the major music festivals, collecting rave reviews. He has appeared on BBC Northern Ireland, and U105 FM where his music has found a new home getting airplay. Back in the States, Shawn’s song “Invincible Me” was featured in the 100th episode of “Dawson’s Creek” on the Fox Network. Jones and his band made a cameo appearance in the Fine Line Pictures release,“Tumbleweeds”, starring Golden Globe winning actress, Janet McTeer. Two of his songs, “Long Way Down” and “Lightening Strike Me Down” are featured in the movie. The single “Long Way Down” was also included on the RCA/Victor soundtrack album. Other artists on the album include: Johnny Cash, Lyle Lovett, Buck Owens, Emmylou Harris and Lucinda Williams. Shawn’s song “Lightening Strike Me Down” was selected for the Hollywood Pictures film, “Mystery Alaska” starring Russell Crowe.

Shawn Jones' ability to combine undeniable guitar playing, singing, writing, and recording, coupled with heartfelt emotion, has earned him the slot as one of the most compelling new artists on today’s roots music scene.

And the wheels roll on . . .