Love Jones (music group)
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Love Jones' unique mix of musical styles rose from a love for pop music in all its forms, from doo wop and samba jazz to sweet soul and bubble gum AM confections.
Formed in Louisville, Kentucky, the band relocated to Los Angeles in 1992. There, they established a strong local following with a weekly gig at the famed Largo nightclub, often joined onstage by multi-instrumentalist Jon Brion. Following a set opening for Tool in the spring of 1993, they were offered a recording contract with Zoo Entertainment (Sony/BMG).
Two eclectic pop/lounge concoctions followed. Here's to the Losers (1993) was the first release of a wave of lounge music-style bands that the press dubbed the "Cocktail Nation." The album's unique melding of soulful pop hooks with Vegas attitude caught the attention of such national media outlets as Newsweek and Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and earned the band rave reviews. Their second album, Powerful Pain Relief (1995) demonstrated their R&B influences with stylistic nods to Earth Wind and Fire, Al Green, and Chic.
In addition to their recording work and live performances, Love Jones appeared in the Miramax film, Since You've Been Gone starring Teri Hatcher, and the indie French Exit starring Jonathan Silverman. Their music can also be heard in the Miramax cult hit Swingers and on its accompanying soundtrack album.
They occasionally reconvene to perform together, often for charities.
Band Members: Barry Thomas (bass); Chris Hawpe (vocals/guitar); Ben Daughtrey (vocals/congas); Jonathan Palmer (vocals); and Stuart Johnson (drums).
Formal connections: Singer Daughtrey was the drummer for hardcore punk band Squirrel Bait. Drummer Johnson has also appeared on albums by Matthew Sweet, Austin Powers' Ming Tea in the first "Austin Powers" film, the New Radicals, and Simon Dawes.
Influences Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66; The Beach Boys; The Stylistics; Mel Torme; Earth Wind and Fire; Louis Prima; Sandler and Young.
[1]Love Jones official website
