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Paul Jones left Manfred Mann in 1966 in order to embark on a solo and acting career. Four albums followed, a fifth much later, alongside a couple of counterculture films (Privilege and The Committee), odd bit parts in popular TV series such as The Sweeney and Space 1999 (the latter being a blink and you'll miss Paul Jones getting blown to smithereens), and stage work ensued. 'Come into My Music Box' is a great introduction to Paul Jones' music for those interested in what Jones did after Manfred Mann. Typically for the period, the first three albums are dominated by covers, some of which were very good whilst others could be deemed mostly throwaway- the Bee Gees' `And The Sun Will Shine' being one such example. For some strange reason, Paul Jones adopts a comedy voice on the covers which not only makes for amusing listening but at times you can really hear him stretching his voice to the limit on songs such as `It's Getting Better' that are not entirely suited to his vocal range. In between the covers, you'll find the odd Paul Jones penned number and for me, this is really what makes these albums alone worth listening to. Start by listening to B-Side to `And The Sun Will Shine', `The Dog Presides'- an energetic freakbeat number featuring Jeff Beck and Paul McCartney on drums or the rebellious streak of `I'm Here to Nudge your Mind'. On other reissued and expanded albums such as 'My Way', the songs from Privilege are also a definite highlight- notably the title track was later covered by Patti Smith Group. However, the best was saved for last on `Crucifix in a Horseshoe' in 1972. This is the album where Paul Jones' song-writing was finally allowed to shine alongside a nicely done cover of Loudon Wainwright's `Motel Blues'. The bluesy songs were certainly helped by the addition of bluegrass musician Kenny Kosek.
To summarise, Paul Jones solo career is a bit of a mixed bag. Whilst everyone might not be initially so keen on the slightly `over-the-top' covers and swinging 60s production, it has to be said that newcomers to Paul Jones' will probably need to `seek and find'. In time, I have no doubt that you will find something that will make you love Paul Jones' music too. However, I just wish that Paul Jones would sing the more obscure songs from these albums on tour instead of the predictable numbers- `High Time', `I've Been a Bad, Bad Boy'. It would be great to hear 'Crucifix in a Horseshoe' in all of its full glory especially considering the recent trend for groups to start playing their seminal albums in their entirety live i.e. The Zombies and the nearly forgotten classic Odessey and Oracle. So Mr. Jones, if you are reading this, how about performing Crucifix in a Horseshoe? Now that really would make my day.
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