What a delight to be joined by another huge talent – the Singer, Songwriter & Musician, Edgar Jones for this episode of The Paul Weller Fan Podcast…
Also known as Edgar Summertyme and Edgar ‘Jones’ Jones, his musical path began in the early 90s, as frontman and founder of Liverpool band The Stairs, championed by the likes of Elvis Costello and signed to Go! Discs, then also the home of future collaborators Paul Weller and The La’s.
His other bands include The Isrites, The Big Kids, Edgar Jones & The Joneses and Free Peace.
His 2005 solo album Soothing Music For Stray Cats was released to critical acclaim with Noel Gallagher commenting “It bent my head, man. It’s probably one of the best records I have ever heard” and Mojo Magazine labelling it “A stunning collection of rock’n’roll, jazz, R&B and doo wop”.
Edgar has also played and toured with artists including Ian McCulloch, Saint Etienne and Ocean Colour Scene and of course, our podcast subject – Paul Weller.
Edgar joined the Weller live band to play bass for the Heliocentric tour in 2000 – including a very special performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall – which featured Steve White and Steve Cradock, along with Edgar on bass and Chris Holland on keyboards. Legendary arranger, Robert Kirby also conducted a stunning 16-piece string orchestra, which accompanied the band on most songs. The performance was released as a 90-minute filmed performance on DVD.
Edgar was also part of the band for the Jools Holland Lennon Special and a recording for The Who Tribute album – You’ll find links below…
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EP123 – Edgar Jones – Singer, Songwriter, Musician – Paul Weller Live Band Bass Player – Desperately Seeking Paul : Paul Weller Fan Podcast
2023 – New Album – Reflections of a Soul Dimension
Edgar revealed news of a new album on my podcast and it has now been given a release date of 28th April 2023.
You can pre-order here.
From the pop-soul of Motown to the underground sounds of what became the UK’s northern soul scene. From the soulful sounds of Scott Walker to the soul-influenced songs of Burt Bacharach. And also some of the rarer soul/garage records.
The core sound of guitars, piano, bass and drums is often augmented with strings, brass, backing vocals and, occasionally, the odd orchestra. Tambourines and vibraphone enhance the tracks giving a courtious nod to a past era but with Edgar’s voice, always front and centre, placing the songs firmly in the present.
“…wonderfully persuasive, full of period detail and bristling with dancefloor energy… a great soul album” – MOJO, 4-star review
Paul Weller – Instant Karma (Jools Holland Performance)
Paul Weller – Circles (The Who Tribute Album – Substitute)
Edgar Jones – Discography (Click the links to hear the album)
1992 – The Stairs – Mexican R’n’B – Buy the album here
2005 – Edgar ‘Jones’ Jones – Soothing Music for Stray Cats – Buy the album here
2006 – The Stairs – Right in the Back of Your Mind (Compilation) – Buy the album here
2007 – Edgar ‘Jones’ Jones – Gettin’ a Little Help from The Joneses – Buy the album here
2008 – Edgar Jones & Friends – The Masked Marauder – Buy the album here
2008 – The Stairs – Who Is This Is – Buy the album here
2011 – The Edgar Jones Free Peace Thing – Stormy Weather – Buy the album here
2012 – Edgar Summertyme – Sense of Harmony – Buy the album here
2013 – Edgar Summertyme – Keep It On: The Isrites & Big Kids Sessions 1995–2000 – Buy the album here
2013 – Edgar Summertyme – Morphic Fields – Buy the album here
2017 – Edgar Jones – The Song of Day and Night – Buy the album here
2021 – Edgar Jones – The Way It Is: 25 Years of Solo Adventures (Compilation) Buy the album here
2023 – Edgar Jones – Reflections of a Soul Dimension – Buy the album here
Edgar Jones – A playlist from Desperately Seeking Paul
A music playlist with some selected highlights from Edgar Jones – Guest on Episode 123 on The Paul Weller Fan Podcast… I’ve also kicked off with the Scott Walker b-side that he mentioned early in our chat along with the original PW songs that Edgar referenced to finish of the playlist…
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