The legendary Paul Ubana Jones returns to Downstage
Six strings, one voice, all heart: Paul
Ubana Jones returns to Downstage
“The first
thing you notice about Paul Ubana Jones is how good he is”
(Otago Daily Times)
Blues guitar legend Paul Ubana
Jones plays at Downstage this month with a spine-tingling
solo concert.
Of Nigerian and English ancestry, Paul was classically trained in cello and guitar but brings a global perspective to his music, combining highly original interpretations of classic songs such as House of the Rising Sun, Eleanor Rigby and One with originals. He crosses genres of blues, soul, groove and folk, with Indian tunings and an impressive finger-picking technique. Click for some tracks of his on YouTube.
Often compared to a more acoustic Jimi Hendrix, Joe Shepherd (Salient) says “Not since Johnny Cash have I seen someone that can so powerfully forge his own shape out of other people’s songs. His own songs stand up admirably next to these classics, as if his strong performances couldn’t possibly be played to anything but the most thoughtfully conceived songs.”
Ubana Jones tours internationally seven months of the year making this event a rare visit to Wellington. His 2010 Soundstage gig at Downstage was received with enraptured silence and followed with thunderous applause. The intimate setting suits his personal performance style and allows the audience to appreciate his astonishing technique and emotive feel.
“ …
marvellous control and devastating rhythms… one of the few
solo acts people sit up and listen to, such is the force of
the man’s playing technique and stage
presence”Graham Reid, New Zealand Herald
“ I've been a fan of the music of Paul Ubana
Jones for about 20 years…In another country he
would be a national institution!”Simon Sweetman, Blog
on the Tracks
Paul Ubana Jones @ Soundstage
Sun 24 July
@ 7pm
Prices: $35
The Soundstage series is supported by Pocock Hudson
Book online www.downstage.co.nz or by phone (04) 801 6946.
ENDS