Poland’s Jones for Revival takes an unconventional approach

The band’s first release of any kind was a concert DVD.

By JOHN BENSON

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

No one understands the powers of improvisation and flexibility more than a jam band.

Just ask Poland-based Jones For Revival, which has been approaching the business side of its operation in a slightly unconventional manner. For instance, normally bands work their way up to DVD releases. Not Jones For Revival, which made its DVD “Live at Vexfest IV” its inaugural release of any kind this past fall.

“The main reason was recording an album costs a lot more money than people would assume,” said singer-guitarist Jim DeCapua, a 2000 Poland High School graduate. “So we were really antsy to get something out and figured that ‘Vexfest’ was such an awesome show all the way around, we wanted to capture it since we didn’t have any live recordings.

“While our original plan was to record and videotape it, we felt the video actually brought you back to the event more so than the audio did.”

Money is a key factor for any up-and-coming band, but this five-piece — DeCapua, Matt Hahn (bass, vocals), Drew Ridgley (keys, vocals), Fredo Burazer (sax, flute, vocals) and Gino West (drums) — is quickly learning the ropes.

The experience of recording its just-released debut EP, “Outside the Box,” opened up a world of possibilities for the act. 

“Once we got into the studio, we realized we should have been doing this all along,” DeCapua said. “We set up like we were playing live and added vocals and leads afterwards, but it kind of made us realize that we definitely work very well together in the studio. So we actually booked dates for mid-March to record another seven tracks.”

DeCapua is hoping the addition of the newer material to the EP tracks will form the band’s debut full-length album, which he plans to have out in the spring. As for the group’s sound, it’s a jam-band aesthetic with a heavy jazz vibe that follows mostly in the footsteps of Phish, Umphrey’s McGee and moe. Notable tracks on “Outside the Box” include the Santana-esque “Cat’s Eye” and the 10-minute-plus “Stanky.” 

For now, it’s all about playing live for DeCapua and company, who have booked a holiday celebration for its growing audience. It’s the Jones For Revival Naughty XXXmas Party, which takes place Friday at Barley’s. This shot of triple-X fun is something different the singer hopes becomes an annual event.

“It’s just a big, nasty, sweet Christmas party, that’s a little crazier than another bar might consider a Christmas party,” DeCapua said. “We’re trying to get the freaks out, basically. We’re trying to get the younger people to realize that there is something hip going on, and it’s not just like a bunch of bars that have the same classic rock bands.”

He quickly added, “Basically, we’re trying to keep it fresh.”