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Jones for Revival strengthens the bond
By GUY D’ASTOLFO
YOUNGSTOWN
Jones for Revival is ever-evolving as a band but remains constant as the center of its universe.
Or make that “YOUniverse.”
JFR is preparing to release its latest album, “YOUniverse.” Toward that end, it will gather its multitudes for a show Saturday at the Lemon Grove.
“YOUniverse” will be a nine-track affair, comprising the five songs from its recent “Golden Sun” EP, which came out in September, plus four new songs. It will be available at most online retailers.
The jam band with the devoted following is entering a new phase in its songwriting by adding lyrics to its songs.
“We’ve been mostly instrumental for the last eight years, but we’re coming to the realization that lyrics add to the connection [between band and fans],” said Jim DeCapua, guitarist, songwriter — and vocalist.
The new approach is part of an ongoing process.
“It’s taking me a while to get the words out of my brain,” said DeCapua. “It’s hard to do, but I’m growing in that department.”
As an example of the new approach, DeCapua cites the song “Astral Plane” from the upcoming album.
It’s a psychedelic rocker with lyrics, and it’s also his favorite.
Jones for Revival has undergone some personnel shuffling recently and is back to being a five-piece. Joining DeCapua, bassist Dave Lynn and drummer Gino West are percussionist P.J. Rosenberg (The Bedspins) and organist Jay Stevens.
Rosenberg has played with the band off and on for several years and produced some of the songs on the new album.
Jones for Revival has a symbiotic connection to its fan base, something that few bands ever achieve. Shows become tribal gatherings, with the music forming an ethereal bond, a connection based on a mental frequency.
“It’s a shared experience that has been building for years,” said DeCapua.
To strengthen that connection, the band is investing in analog recording equipment.
“Digital [technology] decreases universal tones,” said DeCapua. “It makes people think something sounds good when it really doesn’t. We’re investing in tone to bring the classic, analog feel back into people’s lives.”
DeCapua believes that the now-outdated analog recording equipment is what drew people to bands such as Led Zeppelin and Creedence Clearwater Revival.
The effort will be noticeable on the upcoming album. “YOUniverse” will manifest the band’s investment — of both time and money — in analog. “We’re trying to get closer to the truth for our particular sound,” said DeCapua.
As the 2013 touring season approaches, Jones for Revival has shaped a new philosophy there, as well.
Instead of going on its monthly sorties to the usual hot spots — Cleveland, Kent, Columbus, Athens, etc. — the band will book a minitour of a week or two where it will visit all cities.
Upon returning, it will work up a new set list for the next tour. “We can reach out to more people at once this way,” explained DeCapua.