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Tom Jones Jr.
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Tom Jones Jr.A Cultural Hero, And A New Jazz Sound
2006-04-20
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
April fourteenth, two thousand six, at Chases on the Beach in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Thomas Jones Jr. performs his music as customers dine. Speaking through his guitar of a positive message to all who will hear, many onlookers who are captivated by his smooth improvisational melodies step away from their tables, moving out onto the deck that overlooks the pool. There they can get a closer look at the musical mastery they have been hearing. Several couples embrace and dance together under the starlit skies; the ambiance of the full moon casting it's silver strands over the ocean and through the peaceful shadows of the evening as Thomas Jones Jr. walks amidst the people with his cordless guitar. The sounds of his music contribute to the fullness of the moment; the sounds of his music are liberating to those who will hear.
Thomas Jones Jr., or "T.J.", has been involved with the creation of music nearly all his life. Beginning the excursion at the age of nine and becoming very serious about his career in music about five years later, he was influenced and inspired heavily by the playing of Jimmy Hendrix and Eric Clapton. Though he doesn't often sing, he started using his voice as an instrument about fourteen years ago. Today, he is a writer, producer, composer and entertainer. TJ performs solo, with his guitar, to tracks he composed and recorded. He has been an ordained minister for the past seven years, and a desire to bring everyone to the top with him is backed up by a strong belief in God.
The music of Thomas Jones Jr. is not really classifiable as jazz, or anything else for that matter. It's a totally new jazz, with laid back, in the pocket grooves. His compositions are smooth with all kinds of great improvisational skills and techniques - including intriguing question and answer melodic phrasing, and obvious musical conversation that captures the attention of both young and old.
Above Records Entertainment, Inc. is T.J.'s label, having began in Atlanta and is now right here in Volusia County. His studio is open to the public and helps out all genres. Mr. Jones has big plans for Above Records Entertainment, Inc., including introducing his exclusive signature sound as the standard for the label. "When people hear one of our artists, we want them to recognize Above Records as the label," says T.J. Ultimately, he plans to tour around the globe, using his God-given talent to heal the wounds of the soul.
Thomas Jones Jr. has performed with such greats as B.B. King, and produced an act called Last Day Of Time. He used to work for The Union, and a few other influences of his are George Benson and Norman Brown.
Thomas Jones Jr. goes into a zone when he performs. He becomes the music. A woman would listen to his CD's because her migraine headaches would go away. People are put at ease by his music, and a lot of of people will congratulate him on his phenomenal musicianship. His music sound really can't be labeled...it's often referred to as "smooth jazz" for the sake of clarification, but the sound is an extension of one's identity. That is when music really is music, and art really is art. Make sure to visit his listing right here on WhatsHappeningDaytona.com to stay current on his events, and also visit his official web site www.ThomasJonesJr.com for more info.
Thomas Jones Jr.is sure to be one of the cultural heroes of the Daytona Beach area.
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