Forgotten Melody
A DOWN UNDER WONDER! From down under (Melbourne, to be exact) comes one of the hottest bassists I've heard, who's assembled an astonishing collection of tunes and performances for this new one. Wayne Jones (by the way he also designs some of the most highly-regarded bass enclosures on the market) has released his first solo project, FORGOTTEN MELODY. It's dynamic, fresh, and above all, classy. Wayne's been a top-shelf player in Australia for over 30 years, and brings a group of other World-class Aussie players aboard for this project. The result is amazing. For example, all the low-end you hear on this album comes from Wayne's Status 6-string and his Maton M.G.B. 4 fretless instruments, with minimal studio enhancement. Basically it's all fingers and thumbs! The song choice is superb... six Wayne Jones originals, two from his buds, and a couple of killer covers, namely Paul Desmond's "Take Five" and Marcus Miller's "Run for Cover." The flow on FORGOTTEN MELODY is extraordinary too, by design... from the high-intensity "Tom's Shuffle" to the mellow and engaging title track (the first single) right on through to the passionately energetic finisher, "In Full Flight." Wayne says, "I looked at the progression on this disc like I would plan a show... you have to start with good impact, then go on a journey of moods to the climax." The title may be FORGOTTEN MELODY, but Wayne Jones' debut album is glowingly memorable! ~SCOTT O'BRIEN --SmoothJazz.comFINALLY ... WAYNE JONES DEBUT SOLO ALBUM 'FORGOTTEN MELODY' World class! It's a term often used, often loosely, sometimes even carelessly ... and what does it mean anyway? When used in context of a recording artist's press release, the author's goal is generally to create some hype, give the impression that the subject is just as talented as those whom roam the stage internationally. A more humble definition could be that when played, the recording could easily present equal parts enjoyment to anyone, anywhere in the world, irrespective of language, colour, religion or creed. Whatever the definition, it can be said without fear of contradiction, that Australian bassist extraordinaire Wayne Jones' debut solo album Forgotten Melody' is ALL class. A bass player's solo album I hear you say? The bass player is the guy responsible for keeping the beat, the one playing the guitar with the four thick strings ... right? Well to an extent yes. But assumptions are such dangerous beasts, closing the mind to a myriad of possibilities. What happens however, when the bass player comes up front, takes the lead on a six string bass, plays the melodies and writes most of the songs? What happens when that bass player is Wayne Jones? Wayne has been an active fixture on the Australian session circuit for the last three decades with backing credits attached to prominent Australian artists, as well as an array of film, television and bass clinician work under his belt. Finally, after first entertaining the thought of releasing a solo album around seven years ago, and with the assistance of newborn record company Dim & Dimmer, Wayne delivers 'Forgotten Melody' a jazz tinged, funk and groove based feast, utilising some of Australia's finest session players. Joining Wayne in his symposium of sonic sophistication are guitarist Ron Peers (Stylus, Renee Geyer), drummer Gerry Pantazis (Tommy Emmanuel, Bachelor Girl) and WA's James Sandon on sax (GMA). Keyboards and co-production kudos goes to --Greg Phillips-Editor Australian Musician magazine May, 2006