Local Legend
Lloyd Jones garners international attention
Lloyd Jones
Lloyd Jones is nothing short of a local legend with international credentials and appeal, an overwhelming talent and loyal standard bearer for the blues in its many incarnations! While all of those things are true, it just scratches the surface. His songwriting has garnered the attention of fans and critics alike. His showmanship and crowd-pleasing style have wowed fans worldwide. And most of you know of his early band Brown Sugar that included other northwest greats, Robert Cray, Curtis Salgado and Jim Mesi. Cray and Salgado tout Jones’ talents to this day. There are very few blues legends and luminaries he hasn't played with.
Festival season is in full swing and Jones is smack dab in the middle of it! He's looking forward to the blues cruises and many festival appearances. Everyone is lucky to have some local opportunities to soak up Jones’ swamp-drenched, funky style.
This writer saw him with his quartet; Glenn Holstrom on keys/backing vox; Kelly Dunn on drums and sitting in for Willy Barber, Dave Kahl was on bass/backing vox. Rudy Draco, who plays tenor and bari sax for Jones, was off this night.
The Cider Mill in Hillsdale is where you can catch the guys most Thursday nights through August. Toby Harris, the new owner since January, has enlisted Jones' talent to get you all in to enjoy the late night happy hour menu, new colder drafts and the remodeled music area. This intimate setting is an ideal choice for getting up close and personal with Jones and the boys.
While playing the Victoria B.C. Music Festival, Jones met and played with legendary greats Dr John, Terry Townson and Robbie Jordan. Jones is now working with Townson and Jordan on many of the blues cruises, festivals and his upcoming recording. These horn greats have worked with the likes of Collin James and Delbert McClinton. Jones is excited to be playing and touring with them.
Jones is beginning a new recording project. Still at the pre-production stage, he is really looking forward to getting into the studio and putting down some new tracks. "It's a whole new world out there," says Jones on the new music business landscape. Seems like things change from day to day and keeping up with that can be a full-time job. Jones is out there doing his part and he wants to thank all of you for supporting live music. Check out his summer schedule and help keep the blues alive!!