BIOGRAPHY: GARETH DAVIES-JONES
“It’s really refreshing to hear a quality songwriter like Gareth Davies- Jones who has something to say and says it without fuss. Moving writing and all round class musicianship.” Karine Polwart
“Gareth is a fresh new voice…. real songs with some real things to say, in a melodic and entertaining way. He’s a fine addition to the troubadour tradition.” Jez Lowe
Combining Folk, Americana, Roots and Acoustic traditions the Irish-born singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones demonstrates an honesty, depth and passion with his beautifully arranged and evocative songs. Compelling you to listen to each word sung and every note strummed his powerful and strong lyrics bring affecting stories, social and political observations which wouldn’t sound out of place in a 1960s Greenwich Village coffee shop or in any contemporary acoustic platform. Some artists sing in the name of one cause or another without conviction, but that is not the case here. Recognised by commentators as an emerging talent in the Troubador tradition Gareth is already a seasoned singer-songwriter/guitarist and has appeared at many of the UK’s best known festivals and venues including Celtic Connections, Brampton Folk Festival, Bromyard Festival, Greenbelt Festival, Off The Tracks, Crossover, The Sage –Gateshead and The Brighton Arena.
His songs have been featured on BBC Radio 2, 3 & 4, BBC Local Radio across the UK, Radio Britfolk, The Acoustic Stage and FolkRadio UK. Gareth also uses his music to support various organisations fighting for social justice such as Traidcraft and Casa Alianza. Alongside solo tours, other collaborations include tours with Yvonne Lyon, Calum Stewart, Megson and Rob Halligan and support work for Karine Polwart, Phil Beer, Waterson Carthy, Steve Tilston, Paul Field and Coco Mbassi.
To date his work spans three solo albums the latest being “Water & Light” (HWM004) released in December 2008. It was produced by Graham Duffin and Sandy Jones (WetWetWet), accompanied by Kevin McGuire on Double Bass (Eddi) Reader / Karine Polwart) and with guest appearances from Jez Lowe, Yvonne Lyon and Esther O’Connor. “Water & Light” is distributed by Proper Distribution.
The Official Line
“Very beautiful music……I can thoroughly recommend this album (Water & Light)” Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2
“Gareth Davies-Jones is one of the UK’s best-kept musical secrets…powerful songs and affecting performances” Properganda
“Rich and soulful vocals, a fine ear for melody & masterful acoustic guitar playing” Rockn’Reel Magazine
“Some artists often sing in the name of one cause or another without conviction, but that is not the case here. The legacy of well-written, descriptive music laid down by Woody Guthrie, still lives on here in the UK” Maverick (5 Stars)
“Water & Light may well be one of the most perfect singer-songwriter albums that you will hear this or indeed any year.” Mike Wilson – Folking.com
“…..intelligent songs which make a point gently and invoke sympathy……..someone to be taken seriously” fROOTS
For further information/bookings/merchandising
E: info@garethdavies-jones.com W: www.garethdavies-jones.com
MS: www.myspace.com/garethdaviesjones
T: Nicki or Gareth on + 44 (0) 1661854877 or +44 (0) 7821395452