JJ writes:

It’s that time of year again. However you celebrate your Christmas, I wish you a good one.

For me, next week is the start of a new year. I am really looking forward to the launch of the trio and getting back on the road. I miss the buzz, meeting you all and I need to keep singing. It’s been great working with Ray and Al on a new set, re-discovering and re-imagining songs just for the 3 of us. 

It feels a bit like starting out on the Ramblers first tours. Al and Ray were part of that too and I know they are good people to have around. I can’t wait.

Our first tours are:

27 February to 7 March in Denmark

17 April to 11 May in the UK

Further dates in Germany, Austria and around the UK will be announced in the New Year. 

See our website for full details: www.johnjonestrio.org

When the band decided to finish, I knew immediately I would go on. I love singing and performing too much to give up now. It’s what I do!

I also knew who I would want with me and luckily they said yes. 

Ray ( Chopper) and Al are both great musicians and such good people to have around in the studio or on the road. With my own songs, together with Oyster songs I have co-written, some of which the band rarely performed live, with Ray Cooper songs and songs from the Tradition, we have a rich supply of material. I know the harmonies from the three of us will be a strong feature.

We are really pleased to have Midnight Mango and Rich Quarterman as our new agents.

I have said and written recently that Oysterband gave me a voice and an identity. Now another challenge opens up. I hope you can join us. 

Our tour dates will be posted here: www.johnjonestrio.org

JJ writes “We are just above the Uffington White Horse and what better song to sing than The Wanderer and it’s chalk white horses. We are heading out on the Ridgeway with Rowan on our minds.”

Sixteen walkers then set off to walk the sixteen miles to the Red Lion pub in Blewbury.

JJ writes:

“A reminder also that in just 2 weeks time members of Oysterband and the Reluctant Ramblers, along with other performers and friends of Rowan, will be paying tribute in song at the Nettlebed Folk Club, Rowan’s favourite music haunt, in a celebration of her life and music. 

Some of us will be walking in tribute as well, along the Ridgeway on the Sunday then on the Monday into Nettlebed. Join us at any time.” 

The gig at the Nettlebed Folk Club is on Monday 6th June starting at 8pm. See the folk club website for details: www.nettlebedfolkclub.co.uk

Full details are here: www.jj-rr.org/walks-in-2022 

The Sunday walk starts at the Uffington White Horse and finishes at the Red Lion in Blewbury for a drink and a meal. If you would like to eat with us then please see the walks page and order your main course in advance via email to info@jj-rr.org.

JJ writes:

” I am really pleased to be performing at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival this year, bringing a show I am calling Rising Road, reflecting 10 years and 1,000 miles of rambling and singing across this beautiful country and featuring some of the wonderful musicians who shared the journey with me. It will be great to share the stage again with ex-Oysterband members Ray Cooper [Chopper] and Dil Davies who, with Al Scott and Boff Whalley, were the original Ramblers that set off to walk across England from the Welsh Border. Add to that the musicianship, voice and energy of Benji Kirkpatrick, the stand-up bass of Lindsey Oliver and the sublime fiddle of Tim Cotterell and you have a great Travelling Roadshow. We will have fun. 

Sadly , the one performer who will not be with us is Rowan Godel whose untimely death this year robbed us and the wider folk world of a golden voice and gorgeous personality. She will be with us as we sing.

My big thanks to Sandra and the team for giving me the opportunity to put this on. I will feature a new song for the occasion. JJ ”

“Following the devastating loss of Rowan, out of the emptiness that followed an idea gradually  emerged to celebrate her life with a gig at Nettlebed Folk Club, where she performed regularly. This will be on the 6th June, 2 days after her birthday.
Inevitably I thought we should walk as well so the day before we will walk the Ridgeway, scene of some glorious Ramblers walks early on, and then walk into Nettlebed on the day itself. 
Having sung of those ‘chalk-white horses’ in the song The Wanderer so many times with Rowan I thought it right to start at the most iconic one- the Uffington White Horse. 
You are welcome to join us at any point. “

Click here for details of these walks