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Paul Jones (Vocals & Harmonica)
Multi-talented is putting it mildly. Back in his days at Oxford, performing with the late Brian Jones, Paul could have been the front man for The Rolling Stones, but we know who took that job, yet the Stones’ loss was to be Manfred Mann’s gain, when, in 1962 the band were formed. It was rhythm & blues that drew this charismatic showman away from University. In 1964, with Paul firmly established as The Manfred’s lead singer, the chart hits for the band began to come in thick and fast. With TV’s Ready, Steady, Go using Manfred Mann’s vibrant and energetic 5-4-3-2-1 as it’s theme tune, the record shot up the charts and the bands continuing success was assured. After a string of sturdy chart hits, Paul served an amicable 12 months’ notice with The Manfreds and embarked on an equally glittering solo career in 1966. High Time and I’ve Been a Bad, Bad Boy kept him in the public spotlight, where he remains to this day. Films, TV, the West End stage and Broadway never diminished his musical career. As arguably the UK’s finest popular harmonica player, he can be heard on a staggering array of the world’s finest albums, from Tina Turner to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Today you’re never far away from Paul Jones – his weekly radio R&B and Gospel shows on BBC Radio 2 and Jazz FM attract listeners in their millions, and if you’re a Blues fan, then his role with Europe’s finest R&B outfit, The Blues Band, after over a dozen albums and 18 years of touring, still continues to introduce new generations to the music which formed the foundation of this great performer’s success – the blues. In April 2001 Paul proved to be a popular recipient of the famous big red book when he was honoured on the BBC television show This Is Your Life.

PAUL JONES GETS NOSTALGIC! RADIO 2 PRESENTER / NATIONAL HARMONICA LEAGUE PRESIDENT / LEAD MANFREDS / BLUES BAND MAN LOOKING BACK OVER THE DECADES A wonderful mix of all the styles and genres that Paul Jones and his wife Fiona have been involved in over their careers. This means the powerful emotions of the blues, the familiar refrains of "Do Wah Diddy" and "Pretty Flamingo" - but have you seen Paul in theatre mode? Stand by for some of the best theatre-songs ever written, from shows like "Guys And Dolls" and "High Society". Fiona has worked in all areas of show business, from her acclaimed TV series "Widows" to The Royal National Theatre, The Royal Shakespeare Company, and the West End. Paul and Fiona will be accompanied by the remarkably gifted Mark Edwards, who is currently working with them on their second gospel CD, and whose pianistic abilities will also be showcased solo. Standards, blues, pop, gospel and jazz. An engaging and humorous evening delivered in song and conversation.

PAUL JONES … Vocals & Harmonica Paul Jones was one of the young hopefuls who frequently "sat in" with ALEXIS KORNER'S BLUES INCORPORATED in 1962. Others included Brian Jones, who offered Paul the job of lead singer in the group he was forming. Today PJ has no regrets about turning down THE ROLLING STONES. But the next time someone asked if he wanted to be in a group, he said "yes"; it was THE MANN-HUGG BLUES BROTHERS, later known as MANFRED MANN. In 1963 Paul, Mike Hugg and Manfred came up with a piece in response to a commission for a signature tune for the TV programme "Ready, Steady, Go!". The marriage of show and song may have been mutually beneficial; it certainly did the group no harm, providing their first hit, "5-4-3-2-1". After several others, including two number ones, Paul went solo in 1966 and had a few more, notably "I've Been A Bad, Bad Boy", from the film "Privilege", co-starring JEAN SHRIMPTON. This was followed by TV drama, a second film "The Committee" (recently released on DVD) a couple of fringe plays - and then a full-time theatre career, beginning with "Conduct Unbecoming", in which he acted at Bristol Old Vic, London's West End and on Broadway. Subsequent roles included Romeo, Hamlet, leads in plays by SHAW, ANOUILH, and the odd musical such as "Pippin" and "Joseph". By 1979, Paul's deep-rooted love of R&B was becoming frustrated by his relentless acting schedule. He decided the time was right for a band playing blues - and his first call was to TOM McGUINNESS. The result was THE BLUES BAND. After 18 albums and more than a quarter-century of touring the world, the band continues to attract new generations of blues fans. During these years Paul's made several excursions back into acting. After a stint as one of ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER'S "Cats", he joined The Royal National Theatre to play MacHeath in "The Beggar's Opera" and Sky in "Guys And Dolls", going on to star in The Royal Shakespeare Company's "Kiss Me, Kate". These last three also starred FIONA HENDLEY, whom Paul married in 1984 (an indirect result of the final scene of "Guys And Dolls"!). They now present a weekly programme on God TV. Doctor of Music (from the University Of Portsmouth) and President of The National Harmonica League, Paul's played on soundtracks (several of which he composed) and many recordings by artists including PERCY SLEDGE, TINA TURNER, The RPO and MEMPHIS SLIM. His songs have been recorded by an equally varied bunch, from early STEPPENWOLF to HELEN SHAPIRO to TEN YEARS AFTER. His weekly blues show on BBC Radio 2 is a must-listen on Thursday evenings, and his broadcasting commitments have included writing specialist questions for "Mastermind". In 2001, Paul was honoured by the TV show "This Is Your Life".

MARK EDWARDS Having studied piano since the age of three, and first performing in public aged five, Mark discovered jazz at the age of twelve. His first professional engagement was with the Tommy Chase quartet aged 19 with whom he played for two years, performing at Ronnie Scott's, Milan conservatoire, and several TV appearances, including "Saturday night live". During the 80's and 90's he went on to perform and record with many artists including The Style Council; Marc Almond, Aztec Camera, Incognito, And Terry Callier, appearing all over Europe, US, Canada, Japan, and Hong Kong and working on more than 100 albums. Mark also appeared on 'later with Jools Holland' three times and 'TFI Friday'. Mark's love of jazz has given him the opportunity to work with many of the UK's leading jazz musicians such as Bobby Wellins, Peter King, Alan Barnes and Ben Castle and he has been a member of the legendary drummer Bryan Spring's trio for 10 years. Since becoming a Christian, 13 years ago, Mark has appeared on numerous gospel albums with such artists as Matt Redman, Graham Kendrick, Delirious, Kate Simmonds and, husband and wife team, Paul Jones and Fiona Hendley. Over the last 10 yrs Mark has concentrated more on studio production and now runs his own recording studio and production company. He has recently produced 'Young Disciples' and 'brand new heavies vocalist', Carleen Anderson's (goddaughter of James Brown) new album, which features Paul Weller and Jocelyn Brown, who Mark has also been touring internationally with during 05. Last year Mark also toured with Chris Rea.

FIONA HENDLEY JONES Fiona has worked in all areas of show business, which isn't surprising - growing up, she always enjoyed variety. Musically jazz-funk was her main preference with a little classical thrown in; she also loved ballet - and old movies starring tall skinny actresses such as Katherine Hepburn or Grace Kelly. During the early 80's, after studying drama, and fresh in the business, she found herself at an open audition for the west end show 'Elvis'. It was worth the long wait and endless queuing - she got the job and so started her career. Completing 'Elvis', she immediately began work on another show, a revival of 'Oh Boy'. A chance to audition for the 'Royal National Theatre' came along in Sir Richard Eyre's 'The Beggar's Opera'. Fiona played 'Polly Peachum' in that production and Sarah Brown in The Royal National Theatre's first musical, 'Guys And Dolls'. It so happened that Paul Jones was her leading man in both. They married in 1984. While working quite a long stint at The National, Fiona was asked to meet director Ian Toynton, writer Lynda La Plante and producer Linda Agran for an ITV series called 'Widows'. They were looking for authentic East End women for this new, exciting series. Although born in Surrey, Fiona seemed to fit the bill, and with a little work on the accent, filming began. This drama was immensely successful, leading to a second series, and "Personality Of The Year" award for Fiona (playing Shirley Miller) and her three colleagues. Still enjoying variety, Fiona has continued to work over the years in all media. Here are just a few that might be of interest: Television appearances include Janie McMichael in a comic strip film, director Stephen Frears; Pola in the series 'Jane in the Desert', also starring the wonderful Max Wall, director Andrew Gosling; Richard Eyre's film version of 'The Beggar's Opera'; guest spots in 'Boon', 'Starting Out', 'Home on Sunday', 'The Upchat Connection', 'The Manhood Of Edward Robinson', 'Oh Boy', 'The Paul Nicholas Show', and 'Christmas Presence'; and (on BBC Radio 4) the drama series 'Cast In Order Of Disappearance', opposite Francis Matthews. Lois Lane/Bianca in Adrian Noble's 'Kiss Me, Kate!' for The Royal Shakespeare Company (Stratford-on-Avon & The Old Vic). In the West End, Bobbi/Gabby in 'City Of Angels' by Cy Coleman and Larry Gelbart, director Michael Blakemore (Society Of West End Theatre and Evening Standard awards for Best Musical). 'Not Now, Darling', written and directed by Ray Cooney. Others include Mary in 'Jesus Christ Superstar - The Concerts', a Noel Coward evening (these last two at The Barbican) and a hilarious run of 'The Odd Couple' with Tony Randall and Jack Klugman at The Haymarket Theatre. Regional Theatre includes Frances in Richard Everett's 'Hindsight' at The Watermill, Newbury; Connie in 'Here Come The Clowns' at The King's Head, Islington; Diana in Adrian Mitchell's 'Woman Overboard' at The Theatre Royal, Watford; Madeleine in 'The Wicked World Of Bel Ami' (director Ken Hill) and Randy Newman's 'Trouble in Paradise' (director Susan Cox), both productions at Stratford East 15; Ella Delehay in 'Charley's Aunt' national tour; Babe Williams in 'The Pyjama Game', director Mike Ockrent, Leicester Haymarket and National Tour; Eliza Doolittle in 'My Fair Lady' with The Scottish Opera; Tracey Lord in 'High Society' West Yorkshire Playhouse; Stacey Harrison in 'The Gentle Hook' and 'Annie', Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead; Sandy in 'Grease' at York; Jenny in 'Rockabilly' (director David Gilmore), Nuffield Theatre, Southampton. Others include 'Pardon Me Priminister', 'Fumed Oak', 'Star Quality', 'A Fine Romance', and special guest of Dave Willetts in a concert tour. CD Recordings - 'Kiss me Kate', 'City of Angels'; three Andrew Lloyd Webber albums: 'The Collection', which won a gold disc, 'Song Book', and 'The Magic of Andrew Lloyd Webber'; 'The Shows Collection'; 'The Song Writers' Series - Irving Berlin, Lerner and Loewe, and Cole Porter; 'Personal' Gospel album with husband Paul Jones.