Onwards and Upwards
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Ed has recorded a solo cd for Leukaemia Research, entitled Onwards & Upwards. The album comprises eleven original songs, including collaborations with his old friend of over ten years TJ Down, and recently reunited even older friend Dave "Plasmus" Green, previously of Nottingham mod revival outfit The Connection, who also co-produced, engineered and mixed the album. CD duplication duties have been handled by Dave Wilkie of DW Audio.
Jo Turpin donated her enormous photographic talent one hungover New Years Day in Cardiff's Roath Park, and her superb shots form the basis of an 8 page booklet accompanying the CD overseen by Ed and David Matthews of bluegrass band The Ampthill Mob. The booklet also includes David Jones' photography from the 3 annual Breathless Leukaemia concerts at Shenley Leisure Centre in Milton Keynes, whose success owes considerable gratitude to the patrons and the drive of hosts Seamus Henry and David Hand. So far since 2006 when Ed was diagnosed he and his family, especially his brother Rob with his walks, have raised £7000 for Leukaemia Research. To give the CD official approval, Ed's friends Lucy Goldswain and Serena Snoad from the charity have submitted a contribution to the booklet reminding all buyers where their money is going to end up.
The price of the CD is £10 (£5 to Denbigh School students) with £5 (£2) from each sale going to Leukaemia Research.
Ed himself plays acoustic and electric 6 and 12 string guitars, bass and keyboards as well as lead and harmony vocals, with Plasmus supplying harmony vocals and drums. One track, Wishing Well, started life as Welsh Rabbit - an acoustic ballad written by Ed and TJ in an MK pub which could have fitted into Every Picture era Rod Stewart, but ended up as a Spoken Word poem over an existing atmospheric Dave Green backing track. We hope you like the results.
Other influences apparent to preview listeners have been Ronnie Lane's Slim Chance, early Who, Ocean Colour Scene, Oasis, Paul Weller, The Byrds, Johnny Cash and of course Ed's favourite Beatles. Early ideas for a concept album were mooted and a lot of the songs retain a themed message that is appropriate to the cause and Ed's outlook - nostalgia is all well and good but dont neglect the present and dont forget the future. Onwards & Upwards indeed!!!
Ed is exceptionally proud of what he and his friends have created, especially the range of musical styles and genres that have brought his songs to life. Contact Ed via this website or edjones8@msn.com for more details on how to order your copy of Onwards & Upwards, and use your money to see the back of this horrendous disease whilst enjoying great music. Keep it real - fair dos!!!!!!
breathless
