Winfield, Kan., — Houston Jones is a California based quintet formed in 2001. The band performs a strong original repertoire of music that ranges from bluegrass and folk to blues and gospel. Houston Jones is made up of veteran musicians that bring to the band about as wide of background experience as one will find. Each of the 5 members have varied experience. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Travis Jones explained, “thank God there is a term, ‘Americana,’ that we can lump ourselves into, or we’d have to call it bluegrass-gospel-folk-blues-jazz-rock.
Onstage, the band is a study in contrasts. Lead guitarist Glenn Houston (a stage name — his real surname is Pomianek), the only band member that does not sing, displays an almost hypnotic focus as he spins out electric, acoustic, or slide guitar licks. Houston confounds aspiring guitarists in the audience with his technique, which involves playing a conventionally strung guitar left-handed, and thus upside-down. Jones is a commanding presence at center stage, his extroverted demeanor and strong voice attesting to his years in musical theater and as a gospel preacher. Behind them, drummer Peter Tucker, with his relaxed posture a sharp contrast to his powerful, on-the-money rolls and fills. The conservative personality of white-haired bassist and principal songwriter Chris Kee, seated cradling his upright bass, is consistent with his day job as an attorney, but his skill on his instrument readily demonstrates why he is bassist of choice for musicians such as Peter Rowan and Buddy Miller. One can easily imagine long-haired Henry Salvia, who is crouched over his keyboards like a mad scientist, in his daytime role as a Silicon Valley software engineer.
The group of aforementioned musicians can trace their musical roots back to the late 1990’s when several were members of another California based band known as The Waybacks. The members of Houston Jones have used their varied musical experiences to create 5 different CD’s that are all very entertaining each in their own different way, showcasing the various styles of music this experienced band has mastered. It doesn’t matter if you are a fan of The Grateful Dead, or if you are looking for traditional gospel music with four part harmonies Houston Jones will deliver.
Houston Jones is just one of the thirty one artists that will be performing this year at the annual Walnut Valley Festival. For more information about Houston Jones or the 39th annual Walnut Valley Festival contact the festival office at 620-221-3250, or the festival website is www.wvfest.com. Advance tickets are on sale now at the festival office and may be purchased by calling the office or by dropping by 918 Main Street, Winfield, Kansas. The dates for this years festival are September 15th through 19th, 2010.