Port Talbot based pianist Dave Jones is an established figure on the vibrant South Wales jazz scene. He has returned to the principality after spending many years in South East England where he worked with a string of well known jazz musicians in a sideman capacity and appeared at many of London’s leading jazz venues.

Jones made his recording début in1996 releasing “Have You Met Mr. Jones” on the Parrot label (catalogue number PARCD 507). In 1999 he made an album for the Jamaican Vivid label and more recently has appeared on albums by Welsh jazz/folk band Burum and by the folk musician Miranda Sykes of Show Of Hands fame.
The Parrot release was largely an album where Jones interpreted material by composers such as Herbie Hancock and Hank Mobley alongside more conventional standards and the occasional original. The self released “Impetus” is a vehicle for Jones the writer. All seven pieces are originals, including five brand new tunes plus two fresh interpretations of older material.
I recently saw Jones perform at the Pontypool Jazz Festival as part of the group 3Square featuring guest trumpeter Gethin Liddington. Here Jones was playing electric piano and although he sounded good on that he sounds far better here playing a proper acoustic piano. “Impetus” was recorded to a high technical standard by multi instrumentalist/engineer/producer etc. Lee Goodall at his Oakfield studios and the sound is excellent throughout. Jones is also well served by his rhythm partners Chris O’ Connor (bass) and Mark O’Connor (drums). The brothers are Wales’ premier rhythm section and Mark in particular has appeared on numerous recordings with the likes of Paula Gardiner, Wonderbrass and the Jones O’Connor Group. A number of these releases are reviewed elsewhere on this site. 
“Impetus” gets off to fine start with “The Leopard” a slyly funky, bluesy number that features some sparkling piano from Jones and crisp, reliable support from a sympatico rhythm team. Chris O’ Connor features with an understated yet engaging solo. 

If anything Jones is even better on ballads. “Stimulus” is simply a lovely tune, both lyrical and reflective, superbly played by both the pianist and his colleagues. Mark’s thoughtful brush and cymbal work is the perfect foil to Jones’ gentle chording and Chris’ warm, richly resonant bass is also a delight.
“Three On Four” originally appeared on the Vivid Records release but has expanded in the meantime. The tune progresses through stages. A gently lyrical opening is followed by a lazy mid tempo which in turn morphs into something far more urgent, funky and swinging. Like all the items on the album the piece is thoroughly engaging and features some great playing by all three members of the group. As elsewhere Chris O’ Connor is given ample opportunity to demonstrate his abilities as a fluent bass soloist and drummer Mark enjoys a number of inventive breaks.

“Welsh Rarebit” is another gorgeous tune, lyrical and gently swinging but with room for plenty of invention from the impressive Jones and the tasteful Chris O’Connor.
“Postscript” originally appeared on Jones’ début in electronic guise. The 2008 acoustic version effects an almost E.S.T. groove and structure whilst simultaneously revealing Jones’ classical influences. Chris O’ Connor contributes yet another excellent solo as his brother’s drums chatter around him.
As befits the title “Impetus”  itself is bright, lively and swinging, centred around a piano vamp and with features for all three protagonists. 

The closing “Cracovian Duck” (it’s an item of Polish cuisine apparently) was played at Pontypool albeit in very different form. Chris O’Connor’s bass growl opens the piece before Jones takes up the theme. There is something of an Eastern European feel to this tune but there’s a slow burning bluesy funkiness and a sense of drama that holds the attention as the piece develops.
“Impetus” is a rich and varied album with some superb playing from each member of the trio. Jones’ writing is consistently inventive and he has penned a series of highly colourful and memorable pieces. This album stands up well alongside the work of more celebrated piano trios . Jones and his colleagues deserve to reach a national audience with this excellent album. Jones has returned to London and played shows in support of the album at both The Vortex and Ray’s Jazz Café at Foyle’s. See http://www.myspace.com/davejonestrio for details of more dates.

blog comments powered by Disqus