Michael Jones, it’s the anthem of Wales where he was born in 1952, a raw land that he sometimes hums, like in the middle of a red stadium, like the kid from Y Trallwng returned to the banks of the Severn. This is where he became a singer, at 14, among other kids dreaming of the stage. He tries his hand at Chuck Berry covers, plays The Who, sings Deep Purple, and narrates English pop since the 60s…
In 1971 Jones crosses the sea. Not far. He stops in Caen, just in case he needs to return urgently. With France, the young Welshman discovers the French. And the music that comes with it. Balls, galas, cabarets, concerts, guitar lessons. From 1976 to 1979, he crosses paths with a group with a name like the wind. Taรฏ Phong starts to gain momentum, and there’s a curious guy. Son of a Polish Jew and a German Jewess, composer, singer, and musician. Note by note, the guitars of Michael and Jean-Jacques Goldman learn from each other. Blues, friendship, when the group disbands, they vow to reunite when they become famous.
From 1979 to 1983, Jones performs on stage, in studios, blends into Weekend Millionaire, a band from Toulouse, then Gulf Stream, another group, before returning to Caen. That’s when Goldman calls. One album, two albums, the former member of Taรฏ found success before the stage. And for the stage, precisely, he needs the Welsh notes. So it’s settled. Five months of touring, a hundred reunion concerts.
One night, Jones gets noticed. Contract. First, comes a single, Viens. Then The Swinglers, an album. And always by Goldman’s side. After the Non homologuรฉ tour, seventeen days at the Zenith and the duo Je te donne, Michael Jones releases Guitar Man, a new single. Tours with Goldman continue, albums, and two more tours, Michael Jones and Carole Fredericks join Goldman on posters where he felt too lonely. I like this guy so much, says Goldman about Jones, that I can only be biased. But having said that, he’s a fabulous guitarist, a super composer, and he sings like I wish I could sing. It’s not just a phrase. You just have to catch that look of happiness Goldman has when Jones sings with his eyes closed, his guitar weeping.
