Kaitlin Parker – Texasgigs.com

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When five talented Dallas musicians (Eric Neal, Jeff Jones, Trey Carmichael, Joe Schwartzott, and Chris Holt) combine their powers to become The Jones Thing something slightly magical happens. Their songs are catchy and reminiscent of something you hear on a perfect summer day, or that song that plays in the background of your favorite romantic comedy. “Margaret the Liar” was a crowd pleaser and showcased mad keyboard skills and a killer drum solo. The guys looked perfectly at ease on stage and as they sang, “Everyday another chance to do the right thing.” As they sang, one could not help thinking, “Yes! Do the right thing and buy their CD.”

surely a musical child…

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Hey kids, I’m posting for the first time from meh blackberry to bring you the news that Chris Holt and his lovely wife Aubrey are proud parents of a baby boy!!!

KatieMac reports: Christopher Peyton Holt was born at 2:09pm, weighing 8 lbs 12 oz.
Virtual cigars for everyone!

Weekend Recap

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Hey Everybody.

Friday night was a blast and a lot of folks reeeeely got blasted. Some dude sporting a 1983 pink mohawk was tweaking hard and tried to sing along with Eaton Lake Tonics while groping every female in sight. Eric was under the weather and somehow managed to finish 2 sets (Escort Service and JT) without passing out. Still, we rocked and I left the stage feeling elated. Amanda was a sweetie, taking care of the door cash and merch sales. Eaton Lake Tonics were wonderful hosts too. They have such a wide variety of tunes – I’m still digesting the intricacies of their cd – good stuff. Thanks so much guys for making our fort worth trip comfy.

On Saturday night I saw Edie Brickell and New Bohemians at Club Dada. It was almost like time traveling back to 1987 – everything sounded just as good as then. They played some new tunes – not quite as memorable as the old stuff. Perhaps thats because I’ve heard the material so much. The patio was packed with people who absorbed the sound so the volume was really enjoyable. Paul Simon was about 2 feet away from me, watching his wife do her thing. I didn’t whip him with chatter or an autograph request.

Sunday – I started in on a new demo. Hopefully I can share some of these new tunes with the band later in the year when we re-assemble.

Jones Thing – Live at Black Dog Tavern – 10pm – Friday June 23rd

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Hey Kids,

Before we take our extended break, we’ve got one last show for you in the town of the cow. Come out and see the Jones Thing, Live at Black Dog Tavern in Ft. Worth this Friday June 23rd, along with Escort Service and Eaton Lake Tonics. The show starts at 10pm.

Here is a map to the joint.

I’m looking forward to seeing my Fort Worth bretheren, both old and new.

Live Line to Fine-nicity and Photos too…

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(Updated June 15th)
Sweet EricCindy of The Fine Line – finelinelive.com, captured the jonesthing in all its glory, rough edges included. Check out the audio of the complete 45 minute set here.

You are right Cindy – Eric is indeed a super-sexy bandmate. The gals swoon o’er’im.

Katie Mackley was shooting the band during our performance. I ordered several photos and have placed them in the photos section where you can compare fat Jeff to the new toned and skinny Jeff !

If you are in love with one of the band members and would like a glossy print or personal desktop image, browse and then buy.

The ubiquitous Micheal Harberg catured Little Doll on Video! Too cool.

Guy Smiley

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Well that was a ton of fun last night- about 7 hours of rock and roll and I didn’t want it to end. We played a great set and I had the most positive feeling running thru me the entire time. Trey and Chris threw in some extra ending riffs that put a big smile on my face. Met a lot of really cool people – dudes from Sunday Drive, Eaton Lake Tonics, Handclaps & Harmonies. I don’t know what they’re putting in the Fort Worth Municipal Water System – but man, are there some really talented and unique bands coming out of that town. No egos, no posteuring – just good clean fun music.

I was really proud of Amanda – everything ran like clockwork. I know she has been under a lot of stress planning for this gig and launching her new venture with Texas Music Icon Cindy Chaffin – finelinelive.com.

I’m not sure when we’ll be playing live again after the Black Dog gig. Chris Holt’s gonna be a papa the following week, Trey, Eric and Holt will be gigging with other acts. We might try a reworked stand-in lineup, but I think Joe and I will attempt to create some new project or write some tunes together over the summer – a more stripped-down deal. Of course we’ve been saying that for months now.

In the next several weeks I’ll put up some jones demos, a few explications and other music-related stuff.

Rock.