royal jones - R o y a l J o n e s (singer,songwriter)
Royal Jones- A Dear In The HeadLights of Life
New York City, NY (PRWEB) April 19, 2007 -- Born in Methuen Massachusetts, New Hampshire’s Royal Jones (RJ) began his collaborating in the late 70’s with Nancy Rosenberg on The Stars Weren’t Right in Harvard Square.
RJ rehearsed standards, jazz, and show tunes with Berklee students in Boston. He appeared in choruses while attending junior college. This all prompted his imminent departure from the Merrimack Valley area. Upon moving to Boston, he studied voice with Ed Mousally at the Community Music Center on Warren Ave. He tells me, "I was so devoted. I recall puking on the steps to the place. I could never turn back. (I was just) so serious intending never to miss a lesson".
When asked about his vocal range, RJ admits the soprano Frances Demoulas Kettenbach taught at Bradford College and initiated a brief period of classical music studies for his vocal development. Jay Pieleki in Hudson, New Hampshire, tried to perfect a screaming style, "very atrociously and unsuccessfully", he laughingly adds. RJ seems to delve in a total range of musical style and appreciation. Sure enough: Fred Jones from the Grace Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, helped assist with the chorale and protestant hymnal music exposure. Dante Pavone in Boston ’s South End assisted with a pop style of training "....laying flat on the ground and letting the notes pour forth from the core. Very stressful. Very painful. Very revealing." Renowned accompanist Jim Hix worked with RJ in the Back Bay of Bean Town while wowing the Fan Club ,a posh nightclub likened to NYC’s Studio 54. (RJ is quick to add, "It paled in comparison, however." Roger Hawk, John Mattick, and many others helped the young Royal Jones with arrangements and exposure to more jazz and "popular pop". Spending two years studying with New England Conservatory’s Geraldine Berkovitz Martin in the Third Stream Department developed a treasured musical friendship which added depth and perception. RJ regally adds, "Working closely with a coach is therapeutic and exposes your inner soul.
A move to NYC, in 1979, found Royal Jones in the company "of many cult icons. Some hanging out at NYC’s 9th Circle in the West Village and, naturally, at the legendary Studio 54." This was not the first mention of the infamous club. I had to ask, "How did a New Hampshire greenhorn make it through the doors of Studio 54?" RJ’s laugh was big and genuine. He giggled, "I was allowed frequent entry courtesy of a childhood best friend who had a job there as head waiter."
Finally, Royal Jones met with renowned musician Steve Sandberg who produced the Royal Jones ’Ruffle in a Bag of Plain’ basement tracks. Remaining "unreleased due to lack of interest, frankly, and the financial undertaking it would have required at that space in time," RJ was determined to be heard. There are fourteen tracks in all, not including varying mixes of several, and some very fabulous outtakes. Royal Jones has spent a lifetime recording his poetry as lyrics. A couple tracks from RIABOP are featured in full-length on the RoyalJones.com website.
Royal Jones has performed at NYC OUT MUSIC at the GLHC Center’s monthly show on West 13th Street in Manhattan. Sandberg introduced the shy Jones to Out Music at his own performance there. RJ’s comparisons were quite comical yet uplifting: "a disco Neil Young, an Amish Sylvester, Barbra, Aretha ....The song was RESCUE ME FROM MYSELF written by MJ Reilly and Steve Sandberg. An uneven performance to be kind. Thanks though!"
Skip ahead to 2003 when Royal Jones met Eric "CODEE" Cody and the EP Make Things Nice and the CD You Broke the Circle were released. Both CDs include all original material by Jones, Codee, and Mark Reilly. "And one by Sandberg as well! It’s great!"
It seems good things do come to those who wait. His repertoire, expertise, and range have increased significantly. A new-found freedom is evident upon listening to some cover tracks being laid down.
Royal Jones’ last live NYC appearance was in January of 2006 when he was guest artist with the wonderful Stephanie Clark. He sang If I Ever Come Down and Home -- the Charles Smalls classic from The Wiz which has been a staple in Jones repertoire for years.
Stay tuned. I hope you get to see the emotional, eye-poppingly odd, sincere, Royal Jones.