By Lyle Brooks
www.fortlive.com
"Jody Jones sings with a deep-bodied tenor that tells a soulful tale. Strong enough to push over the din of the crowd, with still enough control to handle nuances. There is a roar and ramble at the heart of his percussive strumming. I was pleased to get through the set a real sense of how these songs undergo a living process, as he refers to “another old song.” I love the show-and-tell element of a songwriter showcase.
“This Old House” allows Jones to tilt that tenor up to the rafters on a real tender nostalgic number. The rolling days inherent in his picking makes for a familiar perch from which to sing. “This old house ain’t got no regrets anymore.” He raises his voice up to a forceful gospel finale.
Looking down at the table, I see that someone named “Sunshiney” has been hard at work tagging it up. Sometimes she’s connotes her name with a heart sign and the name of a beau, other versions are solo celebrations of her existence. I had to assume from her name that her existence was worth celebrating. From the dates, I can see that she had been at Fred’s a week prior, listening to Jody sing these or some others from his catalogue.
“Get Off the Ropes” is a song inspired by legendary guitarist Roy Buchanan, to whom Jody encourages the audience to look up. And you should do that; it would be a worthwhile pursuit. The narrative follows an internal conversation with a mentor that stays with the songwriter years after the older man is gone. It is a strong testament to the isolation felt by grinding out the shows trying to get the songs just right.
Played with some evocative harmonics, the sound is painted with a dream-like character. “Hold on to the hope, don’t ever give in.” This is material that aches with reflection and an inner surge.
Later, we hear “Crows,” a work-in-progress that delivers a meandering melody. Jones grants an honest intensity to the tune by extending his big voice. “Trembling trepidations,” a lyric catches my ear, the alliteration carries to the back of the room.
“Trying to find a Chris Whitley tuning,” he describes how he stumbled upon a “fresh” tuning. Spelling out the mechanics of his tuning experiments, Jones explains an insight into his writing process. A truck drives by outside and rattles the house. Following the disturbance, he utilizes this new tuning to build a delicate opening that blooms into a swirl of chords.
"Jody Jones is a performer as genuine as you are bound to come across, his humility makes him someone you want to engage with even more as a listener. Songs of regret and longing he paints both with booming thunder and tender falsetto. “I was a fool to leave you alone.”
Showing the lives these songs have lived, he moves into a song “about healing.” Following the next phase of the romance cycle. Away into a tale of recovery, we hear the character further down the road, now lost he’s seeking a new path.
This turbulence is indicated by the tune’s steady build. “God, are you listening? Do you even know my name?” A woman in heels and a man in boots in front of me loudly compare Facebook pages. Just as I notice them, Mr. Jones kicks his voice up a few decibels over them.
Working at a new song, he presents a growling moonshiner tune about a man named John Sebastian Butcher. The song churns and delivers a satisfying tale with darkness lurking around the corner. Later on, we hear a Dylanesque protest song called “Medicine Man.”
Look for Jody Jones playing every Monday Night at the Grotto where you will be able to hear another great group of songs from this wonderful performer as well as many special guests from across Fort Worth's music scene.
-Lyle Brooks
www.fortlive.com
"Jody Jones is the real deal. I have always enjoyed his hooky, salt-of-the-earth style. His charismatic performances never fail to rock the house and everyone leaves with a great time being had by all."
-Shannon O'Shea, Founder/CEO, SOS Management Inc.
Having known Jody as a personal friend and fellow artist for several years, I am not the least bit surprised at his continued success. I became a fan of his music the first time I heard him sing a song that he wrote on the back porch of Melissa Gilbert's house. Although there were a few of us in attendance that evening that considered ourselves musicians, we all paled in comparison to Jody's unique voice and thoughtful original songs. I remember thinking that he had what it took to be a huge star one day. He still does and his time to share his talents with the world is just around the corner. Rock on Jody! You are very good at what you do.
-Michael McGrady/Actor
Det. Daniel "Sal" Salinger on TNT's Southland.
"Jody's songwriting is a refreshing change in today's homogenised world.His song writing can take you to a place or past event with a clarity that few writers can.Solo or full band his songs will touch your heart and make you think at the same time."
-Scott Cason Ausburn/Photogapher
"In the dictionary, under 'Epic', the first defenition should read, "A song by Jody Jones."
-Riyad Manuel Elmasri/Singer-Songwriter/multi-instrumentalist
"Jody Jones has the kind of devotion and dedication to his family, friends and fans that makes his music inspirational. Jody is a true Texas artist and that's why I am honored to call him my brother!"
-Matt Sheffield/Port Lavaca Motor Sports
"Jody's quiet dignity doesn't interfere with his creative intensity."
-Jeff Gibons/Musician
"Performer/ Actor/ Singer Songwriter, A complete Package. Like the Greats, It only takes listening to one phrase to know who your hearing, The Original, Mr Jody Jones...
-Dan Haddock/Musician
" Jody is wonderful, very professional and spills his heart out through groovy music all the while remaining cool as ever."
-Jackie Hollan/Drummer-Blow Up The Moon
"For those who, like me, wish there were more sincerity and individuality in music today, Jody Jones is necessary listening."
- the matthew show, musician & writer
"Jody has one of the sweetest most honest singing voice Ive ever heard. there's a richness to it that draws you in ....along with his beautiful melodies, poignant lyrics. A refined unique style of guitar that is all his own makes for a interesting blend of influences all pouring out of him, in a porridge of sound that that cleanses, enlightens and moves you like no other. I am happy to have made Lot's of music with Jonesy... he truly has inspired me through his song and through his friendship... I am happy to call him my brother."
-Joee Corso/guitarist/singer/songwriter/composer
"Years ago, Lilly and I had a party here in Laurel Canyon. It was a raucous affair filled with music, dance and song. Jody stopped buy with his guitar and sat in with a group of very talented (some famous) musicians. Everybody took turns trading songs. When it was Jody's turn, nobody knew what to expect. He was a relative newcomer to the crowd. As Jody began to play everyone instinctively got quiet. (They didn't get quiet for anyone else) Jody performed a most beautiful touching ballad. The song was so real. His voice carried so much soul. The whole place sat enraptured. We've never forgotten it. Thank you Jody!"
-Spike
"Everything about Jody is authentic. His music doesn't leave me feeling empty. I'm always full of emotion when I hear him play. It makes me feel less alone in the world."
-Peter James Stratte Jr.
"Jody's passion and commitment to music is self-evident from the first listen."
-Daniel Payne
Jody Jones is an artist and song craftsman. He lends heart and sincerity to his music, and makes listening an authentic pleasure.
-Jody Jones fan.
"A legend in the making."
-'Dobro' Danny Hill
"I first heard Jody at MacHenry's on Magnolia. I immediately thought, "that man has a voice full of feeling and soul." Then I met him and learned that it wasn't just his voice. I am proud to know him."
-Steve Harrison-multi-instrumentalist
"Jody is one of those guys that you can't help but like. He is a great person with the gift of solid music and talented song writing. I always enjoy seeing him on my stage. Matter of fact, I wore my Jody Jones shirt just yesterday....."
-Gary Hullett-sound engineer
"A true artist. Passionate, Relentless and Honest. And he's been that way since birth."
-Jarrod Crawford-Actor/Writer
"Jody Jones plays, sings and writes from a deep soul well. He's the real deal."
-Ibby Cline, Songwriter & Performing Artist.
"Jody Jones is a musician who's strength in songwriting is equaled by his powerful and soulful voice. There is an unmistakable honesty that runs through the songs he writes. Few singer/songwriters are able to project that special kind of energy that reaches peoples hearts and ears time and time again."
-Chris Swicegood,Singer/Songwriter
"Jody Jones, whom I got to know in May 2009 in Nashville, is a dedicated and talented songsmith. He is blessed with a powerful and heartfelt voice -- and he sure knows how to use it. Jody is warm, sincere, and willing to get down to the truth of it all, which also comes to the surface in his songs. I can't wait to get a taste of what he has been cooking since his 2008 album Tragedies, Broken Hearts and Liars!"
-Paul de Bijl, friend and fan (Netherlands)
"Jones' music hits the pocket and takes you on a one hell of a kick ass ride!"
-Bryan Stratte,Filmmaker
"Jody has discovered his dreams, hopes, and passions.He is an extraordinary storyteller with his music."
-Lori Williams/Sleep deprived stay at home/Pastors wife
"Jody is one of the most giving artists I've had the joy of playing with. His storytelling is gripping and emotionally told with a powerful voice and point of view. Jody's continued discovery of himself is artistically and uniquely expressed through his passion for music."
-Tommy Viliafranca,Actor-Musician-Producer
Jody Jones is back. Or at least he’s about to be. The rootsy Fort Worth singer-songwriter had been living as an actor in L.A. until the late summer of 2008, when he returned home and recorded Tragedies, Broken Hearts, and Liars. Jones hoped the Nashville-ized radio-country album would land him a publishing deal. (Though glammy, a couple of the tracks are good enough to have been picked up and popularized by more than a few Nashville crooners. Nothing happened, though.)
Jody Jones' new band will make its debut Sat., May 7, at 10 p.m. at The Chat Room Pub.
Now that Jones has had a while to write new material and play solo, he’s put together a new crackerjack backing band. Featuring lead guitarist Ron Geida, drummer Jackie Hollan (Blow Up the Moon), bassist Joshua Stetler (Blow Up the Moon, Trailer Park Princess), and Jones on rhythm guitar and vocals, the new band will make its debut Sat., May 7, at 10 p.m. at The Chat Room Pub (1263 W. Magnolia Ave., 817-922-8319). “It’s been a long hiatus, as far as playing with the band goes,” Jones recently wrote in an e-mail. “We are making some changes and heading in new directions.” Unlike his previous material, Jones’ new tuneage is gritty, raw, and anti-Nashville. “I still love country, but that’s not really what I’m really performing these days,” he said. “I love [country]. I just feel like, production-wise, it’s pretty watered down, and I’m not OK with that.” Another possible reason for Jones’ shift may be his inherent rock ’n’ roll edge, a predilection that manifests itself in his non-cowboy-hat-wearin’ appearance and live shows. Country music “just never really translated for me in live performance,” he said, “and I was never really country enough live for the real hat bars.” Jones also has fronted a 10-piece rock project, August Son, back in L.A. The new group, he said, “is still really fresh and raw and just getting rehearsed, which is always exciting. I feel the potential is pretty limitless. I’ve been watching and listening to each and every one of [the new members] play around town, and after a year of not doing anything but writing and playing solo shows I decided to ask them if they would be willing to start playing in the band.” Jones is considering laying down some live tracks with his new band at Eagle Audio Recording, the Southside studio where he recorded Tragedies, Broken Hearts, and Liars. The Chat Room show will include a performance by native Fort Worthian bluesman Guthrie Kennard and fiddler/vocalist Marian Brackney.
