Ayron Jones and the Way

Ayron Jones, with Conrad Real on drums, photo courtesy Moonlight Media

Ayron Jones, guitar and vocals
Conrad Real, drums
Deandre Enrico, bass

It’s not often you see a young band, and I mean very young, who are already so good it blows you away. Jar of Rain is one of those, and so is Ayron Jones and the Way.

Last week Ayron Jones and his band were a highlight of the Rock Show to Benefit NW Harvest. After an impressive set by Alan White, legendary drummer for Yes, these young unassuming guys jumped up on the stage. Dylan said you can tell how good a musician is by the way they carry in their guitar case. I say you can tell a lot about a musician by how they tune up. I watched and listened carefully as the bass player thoughtfully, carefully, and oh-so-efficiently tuned his active 5-string, and I knew we were in for it.

I’d just been talking with a drummer friend about dynamics, and how often musicians sacrifice modulation for LOUD. Not these guys; they showed a keen sensitivity to the feeling and tempo of each song, whether a soulful ballad from Hendrix, or a rockin’ blues song from Buddy Guy. Good musicians let the music move them, almost as if the music plays the band, not the other way around. Then POW, all three hit us with their technical chops and blew the roof off the place. It was sheer pleasure to hear their joyful playing of blues and rock classics, with a twist.

From Facebook: “Guitarist, Singer/Songwriter Ayron Jones from Seattle, Washington mixes blues, funk, hip-hop and R&B to deliver his sound. Self taught since the age of 13, Ayron continues to develop an approach to the blues by spanning the guitar styles of legends such as Buddy Guy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix and Albert king. Constantly growing and exploring, Ayron adds his personal touch with rhythms and grooves derived from today's sounds while still paying tribute to the history of the blues. Ayron Jones is a student of the neo-blues evolution.”

Also, Kudos to Conrad Real on drums. I'd heard him play before as an occasional special guest at 88 Keys jams, but with this trio Conrad finds his signature style: superb touch and tasty licks with a smooth groove and punchy cymbal work. I believe he has what it takes to become one of the all-time greats.

It’s hard to say enough about Deandre Enrico on bass. I kept wondering how on earth he could be so good, so young. Few bass players engage the bass as a low-register guitar, with all chords and solos working together, and he’s already got it down!!

For show dates check the Ayron Jones and the Way Facebook page.