The Jewel-Tones play a heart-felt mix of funky & swinging grooves firmly based on Chicago Blues.
Led by Sydney’s veteran blues player, Bruce Jr Bongers, the Jewel-Tones play an intimate, heart-felt mix of funky & swinging, soulful grooves that always have a firm foundation in the raw Chicago blues of the ‘50’s & 60’s. Expect some Little Walter & Jr Wells harmonica-based pieces but be prepared for tasteful excursions into soul, funk and groovy, organ-based jazz, sometimes augmented by Bruce’s soulful baritone
saxophone playing.
Bruce (vocals, harmonicas, saxophone: ex Jr & the Gold-Tops, Bigtop Blues Band, Downhome Quartet) is joined by guitarist Dave Shaw and master keyboardist John Tweed. Darryl Jacobs ( Drums) brings a swing and sizzle to really get things moving. The band came about when Bruce & Dave were playing with another unit. They quickly realized the affinity they had with each other’s playing. Both had a deep appreciation of the subtle synergies of the guitar and harmonica’s roles in classic Chicago blues and also an adventurous spirit that prepared them to explore more closely areas of soulful jazzy grooves. With a wide-range of influences (including Jr Wells, Robert Jr Lockwood, Little Walter, Jimmy Smith, Ronnie Earl, Pepper Adams, Kenny Burrell) the Jewel-Tones are steadily carving out a unique niche in Sydney’s R& B scene. They have the experience, chops & subtlety to hold audiences in awe.