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Album Review: Eden by Rick Jones

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Album Review: Eden by Rick Jones

Rick Jones is an acoustic singer/songwriter based on the island of Jersey, who blends a mix of influences and emotions into his live and studio performances.

…I really enjoyed listening to “Eden” as it blends a mix of styles, yet retains a firm identity…

Rick JonesRick isn’t a stranger to Guitar Jar; we interviewed him towards the end of 2010, where we discovered his love for Avalon guitars, heavy gauge strings and that he’s a closet “shredder” at heart.

Eden is a self-penned, 7 track acoustic album that starts as it means to go on. Opening with the title track, listeners are greeted with a beautiful finger picked introduction that caused me to grab my acoustic guitar to try and figure out what Rick’s playing. His singing has an almost haunting feel to this track, filled with feeling and passion. Interestingly, the acoustic playing and chord progressions remind me of an old 90’s track titled “’74-‘75” by The Connells. “Eden” is a great opener for the album, featuring good production, excellent guitar playing and passionate vocals. This is the type of track that I could listen to over and over again, no problem.

“Rut” is similar to the opening track in many ways; the guitar playing and vocals lock tightly together, with a groovy rhythmic feel. The pre-chorus has a somewhat “southern” edge and I enjoyed the guitar bends during the chorus. Rick’s vocals really come to life in this song and “Rut” has proven to be one of my favourite songs on the album.

“Tomorrow” is downbeat compared to the above tracks. During the entire 3:08secs I couldn’t help but imagine what this must be like when Rick plays it live; my mind was full of images of people on the edge of their seat, listening intently to the graceful guitar playing.

“Sunsets in the west” continues with the laid back theme. I particularly like this song due to the stripped back, straight chord playing; it almost sounds like Rick is baring his soul to anyone who wishes to listen. The guitar solo clearly demonstrates Rick’s talent as a guitarist, featuring tasteful bends and chord licks. In his Guitar Jar interview, Rick explained how he often receives kind words about this song; “the subject of the song is about leaving people behind and knowing that they see the same larger picture of the world as you do, despite any miles between you”.

Knowing about the subject of “Monster”, I felt compelled to listen intently. A song about the horrific activities of serial killers Fred & Rose West, the guitar playing almost has an upbeat tongue-in-cheek approach, whilst the words embrace the dark subject matter.

“Minarest” is brilliant and a definite highlight, embracing Middle Eastern flavoured chord progressions. The guitar playing is of an extremely high standard and would be just the track I’d love to hear Rick play as an “extended jam” live. “Minarest” is a perfect example of Rick’s excellent rhythm playing fused with his sublime lead guitar techniques.

The final song, “Exit Ramp” is 30 seconds of funky, percussive acoustic playing and seems a fitting way to end the album.

Summary

Rick Jones is an extremely talented guitarist and songwriter. His sense of rhythm is stunning and his lead guitar playing fits wonderfully (no showboating present at all).

I really enjoyed listening to “Eden” as it blends a mix of styles, yet retains a firm identity. Rick’s vocals are strong throughout, and his guitar style and vocal qualities sit really well together.

Rick’s music, in my opinion, is accessible to lovers of a wide range of musical genres and listening to “Eden” really makes me want to see Rick play live. If he continues to write new music, the future looks really exciting for him and I wish him every success. Talent as good as Rick’s really deserves to be recognised.

For more information about Rick, please visit:

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About the author:

Sam is passionate about talking all things guitar related and started GuitarJar.co.uk to help encourage all guitarists in their guitar playing journey.

3 Comments

  • I’ve since found out from Rick that “Eden” is an album of “1st takes” – they recorded the entire CD in 4 hours. Awesome!

  • I first heard Rick play in a gig at Tanguy’s in Jersey before Christmas and was totally blown away. Best of all he played Pearl Jam, and played them well! I spent the next several months trying to find out who he was but my vague descriptions from my hazy drunken memory did not get me far!

    Much to my delight a few weeks back I happened to go in to Chambers on a Sunday evening and he was hosting an open mic night. I finally found out a name to the sound of this rare talent. The gig was fantastic Rick’s guitar playing is incredible and he has such an amazing voice and whilst I hate to sound cliche, I literally had goosebumps, and I’m fussy!

    I subsequently went onto Ricks site and listened to some tracks from Eden I was totally mesmorised and after getting my head around setting up a pay pal account I ordered a copy of the album straight away and as soon as it arrived uploaded it onto my computer and phone. Whilst on albums there’s usually that track you skip over; with Eden this was not the case and I was left with one word, wow!

    So now here I am, a self confessed 30 something groupie just waiting for more.

    Well done Rick, keep doing what you’re doing

  • I purchased a cd of Rick’s album “Eden” last fall. I loved it then and now even more. He’s one of a kind.

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