The Jones O'Connor Group use their hands and feet to manipulate or "play" sonic generators or "instruments" These in turn create "sounds" audible to the human ear. These "sounds" are then graded and labelled by the groups members, and reassembled into "music". The results of this process are then demonstrated to the public, who come to receive or "hear" the groups output.
PRESS
"One of the most innovative and exciting bands on the circuit"
The Aberdeen Press and Journal
"The Jones O'Connor group is an inventive, engaging unit. Citing influences as broad as the Chicago avant-garde and European nu-jazz scenes, the band apply free jazz and soulful fusion sensibilities to their sonic adventures.
Compositionally the record [Alpha] is hip and unpredictable (the slow-burning title track or the sparkly bossa of 'True story') What's more the players are on the money, in particular Paul Jones - a sensitive fender Rhodes player on 'True Story' or blazing like McCoy on the rough -edged swing of 'Sonista'.
Richard Jones is also a fine electric guitarist, with chops and taste to spare.
Proof that London is not the centre of the U.K's jazz universe. In fact, Alpha is excellent, forward thinking Brit Jazz. Rush to their website for more"
Tom Barlow -Jazzwise Magazine
"Spacious Minimalism"
The Western Mail
Exciting new electro-jazz fourpiece from South Wales who mix Miles's jazz rock with beats, epic melodies and Chicago's avant-garde sounds. Very much in the post-jazz vein of Led Bib and Polar Bear. Definitely ones to watch"
Time Out
"Dynamic and tuneful musical exploration that’s certain to appeal to established jazz audiences and more adventurous rock fans alike. The imaginative keys and lead guitar of Paul and Richard Jones ride atop the up –to-the-minute bass and drums of Mark and Chris O’Connor. From Cardiff to outer space and not just for Jazzers"
Musician Magazine
"Together the four show a real togetherness in their playing, making the music evolve very naturally and organically. They play beautiful lines. They are much too intelligent for just offering some echoes from the past. They are great stylists who will convince you of their message if you are open to it"
Vital magazine
"Impressively sweet, soulful playing…. notably the guitarist’s jazz chops on ‘Dead Ahead’ and some hypnotic Rhodes work on ‘Pumpkin.’ These Welsh based improvisers make playful, classy music that fuses divergent perspectives very successfully. Following on from their fine debut Alpha, new album A Crow For Every Crow manages to sound equally interesting and distinctive"
Jazzwise
"Left of centre jazz that flirts with early 70's Miles Davis...Unsung hero's"
Buzz Magazine
"A melodic tapestry with each musician adding their individualism to the larger picture. Alpha is an album of diversity, self-expression and creativity...9/10"
Euroclubdejazz
"Collective improvisation creating impressive textures through deeply intuitive group chemistry. Compelling originals explore new forms, with influences such as Post Rock, Minimalism and Free Jazz. Elegant ballads and fiery up-tempo grooves. Dynamic and inventive playing"
Jazzbreak Magazine
"One of the most exciting bands on the music scene today, influenced by the best forward-looking European jazz groups such as the Cinematic Orchestra. Hugely inventive originals and thoroughly dynamic and driven collective performance sure to be making waves nationally in the near future"
Gair Rhydd
"This excellent new album [A crow for every crow] deserves to gain them national attention. All four members of the group are established figures on the vibrant South Wales scene and play in a variety of bands but this is the combination most likely to break out and find a larger audience....The tunes feature attractive melodies and strong grooves but are also full of interesting and complex ideas. There are echoes of British jazz rock bands but the rhythms laid down by the O’Connors speak of more modern influences such as Polar Bear and Led Bib.... even hip-hop grooves from time to time. They lay down an awesome groove on the opening title track and maintain that kind of quality for the rest of the album. I saw the group at Brecon at the time of “Alpha†and again just before this album was released. I was highly impressed on both occasions and was eagerly awaiting hearing this album.
Quirky, accessible, intelligent with a high standard of writing and playing throughout. This album deserves to put the group well and truly on the jazz map.â€
CRITIC RATING****
The JazzMann
