::: One for Jonah :::

John “Jonah” Jones was obviously a much loved man of many varied talents. He sadly died on 20th December 2003 and a charity concert was arranged in his memory.

This live album is a real gem which has been produced with obvious dedication and respect by those musicians who knew and worked with John very closely.

There are some wonderful contributions from Earl Okin, Ralph McTell, and Fairport Convention.

I remember seeing the “suave and sophisticated” Earl Okin open for Ralph some years ago. Listening to him again I am at once reminded of his extraordinary vocal mimicry which he demonstrates using his trombone vocals on Hoagy Carmichael’s Rockin’ Chair. John had been Earl’s manager for 25 years and there is an obvious sadness in Earl’s voice as he talks about their friendship.

Ralph McTell is next up. He brings the house down with a barn storming version of Drybone Shuffle which seems to subtly change each time I hear it. This time it also includes a short burst of trombone on vocals.(tuition from Mr Okin?) This is followed by the reflective and comforting After Rain. Danny Thompson joins him on Sweet Mystery and From Clare to Here. John was brought up in Bethnal Green so perhaps it is not surprising that two of his favourites Maginot Waltz and Mrs Adlam’s Angels are also included, as well as the powerful Peppers and Tomatoes. Alas I am told Doon forgot to press the record button so sadly a live version of Pykey Boy never made it onto the album!

Finally, Fairport Convention bring the evening to an end with a typical rousing set incorporating their unique folk/rock and jazz fusion. I really like the mellow Portmeirion which contrasts wonderfully with a fine version of the evergreen Matty Groves.

The quality of the recording is exceptional and the presentation is superb. It is an enhanced CD so whilst listening to the songs you can browse through the photographs taken before and during the gig, and read the sensitively and beautifully written obituary of John written by Ralph McTell. There are links to other related websites and if so inclined you can print an iron-on T-shirt transfer.

This was obviously a very emotional evening for everyone involved in organising, performing and indeed attending the concert. Those of us who unfortunately could not be there can really detect “a sense of Jonah through the atmosphere and special vibe created by the night”
Proceeds for the album go to John’s favourite charity The National Playing Fields Association (NPFA) the NPFA is the UK’s only national organisation which has specific responsibility for acquiring, protecting and improving our fast disappearing playing fields and playgrounds.

So go and buy a copy now and your donation to the NPFA will help keep greedy speculators off our green open spaces!

Earl Okin
01. One Note Samba (Jobim Mendonca) 3.57
02. Rockin’ Chair (Hoagy Carmichael) 6.26

Ralph McTell
03. Maginot Waltz (Ralph McTell) 3.46
04. Mrs Adlams Angels (Ralph McTell) 2.44
05. Drybone Shuffle (Ralph McTell) 4.14
06. After Rain (Ralph McTell) 3.58
07. Peppers and Tomatoes (Ralph McTell) 5.50
08. Sweet Mystery (Ralph McTell) 4.38
09. From Clare to Here (Ralph McTell) 5.58

Fairport Convention
10. Journeyman’s Grace (Swarbrick Thompson) 4.33
11. Widow of Westmoreland's Daughter (Trad. Arr. FC) 4.32
12. The Fossil Hunter (Chris Leslie) 6.59
13. Portmeirion (Ric Sanders) 6.23
14. Matty Groves (Trad arr FC) 10.32
15. Meet On The Ledge (Richard Thompson) 1.27

The CD is available from The National Playing Fields Association . In order to maximise the income that the charity receives, the most tax efficient method we have come up with is for you to "donate" the money to the charity in return for a "free" CD.

Please send them a cheque for £15, made payable to the National Playing Fields Association with 'In memory of John Jonah Jones' written on the back of the cheque and send it to:

Don't forget to give your name and address.
It is also available from Mood Music