Keeping things interesting over forty years is never easy in any line of work, let alone anything in a creative capacity. Matters can get monotonous, inspiration can be lost, and overall, you can get tired physically and emotionally. Fortunately, the chart-topping and multi-platinum selling Howard Jones has found the cure for boredom, and that is the live performance.
Jones, a prolific artist who has been writing, recording, and performing original music for over four decades now, is most easily recognized with his slew of hits including 1983’s “What Is Love?” 1984’s “Like To Get To Know You Well,” 1985’s “Things Can Only Get Better,” 1986’s “No One Is To Blame,” 1989’s “Everlasting Love,” among others. In all, Jones has had ten top forty hit singles in the UK, fifteen top 40 hits around the world, and four which the US top 20 alone. Also selling over eight million albums, and touring the world over and over again, that is a whole lot of success to recount.
Still extremely active throughout the years, as mentioned, Jones has kept a keen focus on the live shows, where he can connect with audiences, experiment with the music, and create lasting memories. Now, this is not to say he has abandoned the idea of writing/recording new studio material; because in 2019 he put out Transform, before Dialogue in 2022. That considered, there is no denying that Jones absolutely adores performing live as a form of both inspiration and invigoration. Proving such, in 2024 he returns with a brand-new live album called Live At The 02.
One of many live albums Jones has released in recent years – including newly recorded live material, as well as archrival live recordings – Live At The 02 arrived on August 2nd through Cherry Red Records and has plenty of intriguing details. For starters, it was recorded at London’s The O2 on March 24, 2024 when Jones acted as a special guest supporting OMD. Nothing less than an exceptional billing, not only has Jones maintained a close friendship with OMD’s Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys through the years, but this would be the first time they performed a gig together in 40 years! Rather special, Jones and his band played a twelve-song set that was captured to be released as this new album.
The album, available digitally, but also as a very limited edition recycled color vinyl with full color inner sleeve, and as standard CD format (which includes a pull-out poster featuring the cover shot of Jones performing live at the O2), offers a lot in-between it all. During the set Jones performs many well-beloved songs, but also a few surprises… like a cover of Kajagoogoo’s “Too Shy.” Done so perfectly, making it even more exciting is the fact that original Kajagoogoo Bassist, Nick Beggs, was present and a part of the rendition.
Overall, the entire set sounds pristine in terms of clarity, but also the nuance of each band member’s performance adding a little extra here and there. Speaking of which, Jones and his band – Nick Beggs (bass), Robin Boult (guitar), Dan Clarke (keyboards) and Robbie Bronnimann (keyboards and tech) – are set to return to North American for an outstanding tour featuring ABC along with Nick Heyward and Haircut 100. Not to be missed, it is also recommended you look into picking up a copy of Live At The 02, because it is a live performance encapsulated with uplifting emotion that we all need. That is why Cryptic Rock gives this new release 5 out of 5 stars.
){kind=link}
No comment