Patron Announced for Jazz & Blues Week

Paul Jones, jazz and blues singer, actor and radio personality, is to be Patron of the newly created Henley Jazz & Blues Week.His knowledge of jazz and blues, its roots and artists, is immense. He has his own Rhythm & Blues programme on BBC Radio 2, one of its longest lasting programmes.

His music career took off as the lead singer of Manfred Mann after famously turning down an offer from Brian Jones to join a band that became the Rolling Stones. Hit after hit followed including a solo career. He now tours regularly with The Manfreds, The Blues Band and Digby Fairweather’s Half Dozen.

One of the Henley Jazz & Blues Week organisers, Richard Cuthbertson, said “ We’re so pleased that someone of Paul’s stature in the music industry has agreed to be our Patron. After such an illustrious early career Paul is still going strong. He’s just finished a new album, ‘Starting all over Again’, with Eric Clapton on guitar. He’s still one of the top blues harmonica players in the world, taught to play by Rolling Stone Brian Jones. We are so lucky to have his patronage and enthusiasm for our new Jazz & Blues Week”

The Henley Jazz & Blues Week runs from 8-17 November in a variety of venues in and around Henley. Tickets are required for the special opening night (Little Angel, Henley) and closing night (The Bull, Henley). For more information and tickets visit the link on the Brakspear website www.brakspear.co.uk/jazzandblues