It always fascinates me to consider how differently things could have worked out had people chosen another path way, way back in time. Back in 1962 two young men, both called Jones, met whilst at an Alexis Korner gig, and discovered that they shared a love of the blues. Brian invited Paul to join his band, the Rolling Stones. Paul turned it down and a short while later joined Manfred Man.
Despite being remembered for hit singles such as “5-4-3-2-1”, "Pretty Flamingo”, and “Do Wah Diddy”, Manfred Man had started out as an R &B band. They soon found themselves sharing a stage with Sonny Boy Williamson, amongst others. Paul’s writing skills also led to his songs being covered by the likes of Ten Years After, Steppenwolf, and Santana.
The rest of his incredible career has seen him make a success of everything he has tried. He wrote music for film, television, and commercials. He hosted his own radio shows, appeared on television as a presenter, and was featured on the long running This Is Your Life programme.
In 1966 he launched a solo career and left Manfred Man. His song “I’ve Been A Bad Bad Boy”, written for the film Privilege, gave him another hit. At this time his acting career was taking off and he became a highly regarded full time theatre actor appearing on Broadway, in London’s West End, and at the Bristol Old Vic. His roles included Romeo and Hamlet.
In 1979 he formed The Blues Band to satisfy his continuing love of all things
R&B. After thirty years of combining his acting, alongside television, and touring with the band he has somehow found the time to release his first solo album for many a year. Starting All Over Again is the result.
For the album Paul has called upon an impressive list of musicians, including Eric Clapton who plays on two tracks, and sax legend Ernie Watts. Eric and Paul worked together before in the short lived band Powerhouse back in the sixties. Stevie Wonder drummer Alvino Bennett, Neil Young bassist Tony Marsico, and soul star Percy Sledge also guest.
Article comments