You Broke The Circle by Royal Jones

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Artist: Royal Jones

CD: You Broke The Circle

Home: New York City

Style: Soul/Pop/Dance

Quote: "Cheer up, Mr. Jones, you've made a great CD."

By Jennifer Layton

...This CD has one of the most credible street vibes I've heard in a long time. This man leads a colorful life. He opens the CD with "Sylvia of Boston," a morning-after voice mail message from someone who's been rode hard and put up wet. Then the music kicks in. Brace yourself. We're going underground and experiencing what made Sylvia sound that way.

You Broke The Circle is a trip through dance clubs and time itself -- on "Echo," we fade into old-fashioned dance hall cha-cha-cha. On "Confused," Jones gets so incredibly Motown, I could swear I'm listening to Gladys Knight and the Pips. And I really mean Gladys Knight. Jones sings like a Motown queen. I could have sworn this was a female singer if it weren't for the occasional dip into bass territory.

My favorite track is "Ride Out of Control," a tribute to 70s funk, complete with a horn section and lazy, drawling rapping. The hook is the refrain, "If I ever come down, I'll behave, I'll be good." I can easily imagine Chef from South Park taking on this one. Somebody get me Matt and Trey.

The bottom line is that you will move to this. Yes, it's sample-happy and completely synthesized, but it's bursting with soul. Make it your soundtrack for a Saturday night and see if you don't sound like Sylvia from Boston the next morning.

(The above article comes from Indie-Music.com

http://www.indie-music.com)

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CD Review: Royal Jones - You Broke The Circle

Posted by Wally Bangs on July 28, 2005 02:41 PM

Filed under: Music, Music: R&B -

Make Things Nice

Royal Jones

Music from Mbibe music

Release date: 08/2004

What would you do if you were blessed with a four octave vocal range? Royal Jones uses his to make some of the most off kilter, unique, and fractured funk and soul songs around. He cites Martha Reeves as a big influence and his vocals show an obsession with soul divas, but the New York City vibe of his music is light years away from the Motown Sound. It's electronic funk music for dancing in the clubs, but possessed of a chilled out ghostliness at times that makes you wonder who let the trip-hop in the door.

Skip the intro cut and head straight for the title cut and you're quickly swept up in a weird world that's like a kissing cousin to the stuff that Antony & The Johnsons are doing. "Echo" has a sort of creepy bossa nova ambience perfect for this post-modern film noir world. I dig the guitar riff on "Ride Out Of Control" which sounds like it could have been sampled from a Sly And The Family Stone album even if the spoken lyrics are pretty silly. I hope silliness is the point of the song, "Pain Stain" with its paranoid diva shtick reminiscent of dancier Frank Zappa grooves. Royal Jones manages to sound like Asha Puti on "Love Like A Freak", but I will admit that by the time this 9th song on the 11 song CD played I was beginning to get a little tired of his four octaves.

You Broke The Circle on MBIBE Records is well worth getting if you're into strange dance music, but I'd say Royal Jones would really shine and stand out if he started putting out 12 inch records. You can pick up some of his music either through his website or by visiting Amazon or CD Baby.

Blogcritics.org.

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Posted by Wally Bangs on July 28, 2005 02:41 PM

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(the following review by ARTHUR CURRY of Babyman Entertainment)

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Royal Jones - You Broke the Circle

Royal is a throwback to the days of Sylvester. Eclectic sound, great production, it has a lounge sound at times, with no apologies. The dance tracks pop off the speakers. He saves money on therapy bills by purging himself in his lyrics. This is a fun album with some great arrangements. Royal will stick to you like grits

Intro: I loved the intro it's a nice touch to hear a personal touch toward the achievement of this project.

You Broke the Circle: Great production, nicely paced dance track, righteous keyboard licks, Jones' vocals are a throwback to the 80's when Sylvester ruled the dance floor.

Echo: Lounge lizard sound, relaxing beat, pleasing guitar and percussion on this jazzy track, white linen feel, Royal shows his versatility.

Ride Out of Control: Funky back beat, with a peppering of horns, laid on a Royal poem, again another song that can keep your attention through the thunder storm of life. Jones takes a chance with this one, but you can't help but like the punch of the horns.

Confused: Change of pace track where Royal has to show his vocal ability. He does a great job of staying ahead of the guitar lick chasing him to the finish.

Pain Stain: The most fun I have ever heard in a lover's quarrel, creative lyrics, and bass line lead to a nice crescendo. Wonder if they stay together.

Beware: Production has the sound that was used for early break beats in hip-hop. Reminds me of Level 42, not a bad comparison. Royal worked hard vocally on this track running between booths for lead and background vocals.

Make Things Nice: Nice production, funky stylizing from Royal on this track shows that he wants to be taken seriously. You hear the richness of his voice throughout.

Love Like a Freak: Hot dance track to push the envelope again. The strobe lights can't keep up with this one. Love the vocal arrangement.

Epiphany: Whoa, Royal it suddenly dawned on me... I think you have a winner. If I play the vocal track backwards is that Sam Cooke singing? I really DIG this track.

Reality: Eclectic sound, played loud you can really get the true measure of this track, there's a lot going on. I like the hard sound of guitar in battle with the drum tracks.

Bonus Track: You have to buy it to get it.

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THE FOLLOWING article FROM MTV ITALY (URL below)

Una bella voce e un grande sogno: emulare le grandi ugole black della stagione d'oro del soul. E dopo una vita passata a inseguirlo, il sogno di Royal Jones si avvera.

Originario di una 'città di vacche' del New Hampshire, fin da giovane Jones stravede per la black music anni '60-'70. La sua colonna sonora è composta dal Detroit sound delle Vandellas, dalle grandi voci di Martha Reeves (che incontra estasiato in un backstage a New York), Cissy Houston, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye: i soldi che guadagna rendendo le bottiglie vuote, li riutilizza comprando 45 giri di quel genere, cullandosi con il ribollente R&B, con il primo funk, con il soul strappamutande delle divas.

Fortuna vuole che anche Royal sia dotato di una voce strabiliante, in grado di raggiungere 4 ottave di estensione: passa così gli anni della giovinezza ad affinarla e a cantare in piccoli cori della sua zona. Nel 1977 si sposta a Boston e studia musica e canto con insegnanti prestigiosi, come Geraldine Martin del Boston's New England Conservatory of Music; poi passa al Bradford College, ma dura poco, perché le lezioni prevedevano anche un corso di danza, che lui rifiuta, per dedicarsi esclusivamente al soul.

Royal ha un amico capocameriere al famosissimo Studio 54 e i racconti della vita del club lo spingono a tentare la strada della Grande Mela; pare che si presentasse agli artisti con la seguente formula: "Hey sono un cantante, Non vi serve un bianco che canta come una soul sister?". Negli anni '80 prova a farsi strada autoproducendosi dei demo e lavorando per le major anche come guardarobiere. Gli anni passano e arrivano le prime esibizioni nei locali newyorkesi; con il mago della produzione Steve Sandberg registra 14 brani che fa circolare per la città, ma per anni nessuno si accorge di lui, nonostante la collaborazione con il rinomato producer Codee. Royal sembra perdere fiducia, ma con il passare del tempo il suo stile da originale funk-crooner comincia a piacere e la calda accoglienza del pubblico fa girare il suo nome per i gay club della City dove si conquista una nicchia di fan e i paragoni con Sylvester. La fiducia e l'ottimismo tornano in Jones.

Il brano più apprezzato di Jones è "Make Things Nice", che viene inserito nell'Ep omonimo del 2003. Il suo groove à la Sylvester incontra il gusto del momento, stuzzicato da un ritorno delle sonorità Seventies ed Eighties. Royal viene contattato dalla CD Baby e prepara un disco full lenght, cominciando a girare in tour seriamente per la East Coast. Un anno dopo esce l'atteso album di debutto, dal titolo "You Broke The Circle", prodotto dalla CD Baby. L'Uomo Bianco che volle farsi 'Soul Diva' ce l'ha fatta e canta quelle storie di amore, miseria, disperazione, solitudine tipiche del black mood anni '70.

MTV ITALY LINK below>

http://www.mtv.it/music/archivio/newsitehome.asp?ID=22125

NYC's underground music scene presents the ROYAL JONES' "YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE" on the MBIBE Music label.

I think you'll be all ears when you hear Royal Jones' "You Broke The Circle"

Shake your money maker throughout this eclectic set of upbeat well engineered unusual jams.

The tracks pop off the speakers , . Lots of hooks with great arrangements! The musicians provide just the right funk for flaunting the artist’s gift!

The treatment producer CoDee gave Jones' original tracks compliment his unusual sounding vocals and the jams slam.

Upon listening to his quirky voice,comparing ROYAL JONES to anyone is short changing him. .An alternative soul vocalist/songwriter blessed with inimitable style and a four octave vocal range! I'd say the audiophile is in for a treat.

A stream of consciousness lyric style immediately grabbed me .A collection of original uniqueness and a real winner in my estimation.An artist whose style and sincerity down home 'funkability ' leaves the listener wanting more! Sensitive edged odd ball that he is!

Influenced by his love of 60s MOTOWN, ROYAL JONES one man choir provides amusement park potential for riding the Himalaya at the Fun O Rama!

.Elevate,imbibe and get down.Something old yet new! Paleface soul. Hooked on chronics.

Did I say Funky? 'PAIN STAIN' is amusing and certainly worth a listen.I read somewhere 'Royal will stick to you like grits'I agree wholeheartedly... You are in for a treat!A lovely debut! Don't deny yourself a good time.

You Broke The Circle ROYAL JONES.

COURTESY BUSCAMUSICA.ORG

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.ambosmedios.com/releases/2005/7/prweb267107.htm&prev=/search%3Fq%3D%2522you%2Bbroke%2Bthe%2Bcircle%2522%26start%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26c2coff%3D1%26sa%3DN

English translation below>

Text: Fermín Gámez

(AmbosMedios) Julio 30, 2005. -- Royal Jones is a personage more than interesting, since he was pequeñito recorded his poetry and music, and it was asked as it could get to be a great diva of soul being a white man, the answer that arrives forceful... "I I am the art, not the business", it walked by clubs cool and different scenes until the destiny placed in New York singing soul in the 79, knew Steve Sandberg, with which work in the project "Ruffle in a bag of pain", later would know Codde, important producer that has worked, among others, with Mary J. Blige (Marcus Miller, Nancy Wilson...), and fué he the person in charge which the came to the light "You broke circle", the work and the voice of Royal Jones, under the auspice of Mbibe music.

Royal Jones moves like fish in the water in the land soul, and its voice of high baritone makes of this album an authentic peculiarity within the world.

With an introduction in charge of the voice of one such Sylvia (of Boston), a telephone conversation that will lay way to the disc, begins with "You broke the circle", perhaps the most moved of this work, and slides with a drum bass machacón, and voices which they seem sung by the choir of I exercise red, to leave Royal Jones later, that its privileged voice attacks without tapujos against "soul diva" more emaciated.

Subjects as "Confussed" leaves I put to flavor Curtis Mayfield, that so characteristic sound, that funky meloso that only could leave the head of that genius, here seems homenajeado, to emphasize the incredible production of Elbows, much class.

Whereas in "Pain stain" grows with the musical conception more TTD, although Royal Jones much more obtains an evocative and relantizado atmosphere.

"Beware" smells of classic by the four flanks, from the rates of the battery, the black choirs and the preciosistas guitars, leave samplers parked and offer all the reality of a great band soul.

Another remarkable subject is "Reality (play loud)", the artist embarks in a alucinogeno trip soul simply to demonstrate its vocal capacities, africanismo and the dark to us in a threatening atmosphere.

Royal Jones has created with "You broke the circle" an original, rich album in shades soul and with much hook, without a doubt it is a great diva, already has obtained it.

ROYAL JONES

"You broke the circle"

Mbibe Music

(2005)

COURTESY BUSCAMUSICA.ORG

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the following revue courtesy BUSCAMUSICA.org

ROYAL JONES

"You broke the circle"

Mbibe Music

(2005)

Texto: Fermín Gámez

Royal Jones es un personaje más que interesante, desde que era pequeñito grababa su poesía y música, y se preguntaba como podría llegar a ser una gran diva del soul siendo un hombre blanco, la respuesta llega así de contundente..."¡yo soy el arte, no el negocio!", paseó por clubs cool y diferentes escenarios hasta que el destino lo colocó en Nueva York cantando soul en el 79, conoció a Steve Sandberg, con el que trabajo en el proyecto "Ruffle in a bag of pain", más tarde conocería a Codde, importante productor que ha trabajado, entre otros, con Mary J. Blige (Marcus Miller, Nancy Wilson,...), y fué él el responsable de que saliera a la luz "You broke the circle", el trabajo y la voz de Royal Jones, bajo el auspicio de Mbibe music.

Royal Jones se mueve como pez en el agua en el terreno soul, y su voz de alto barítono hace de este álbum una auténtica rareza dentro del mundillo.

Con una introducción a cargo de la voz de una tal Sylvia (of Boston), una conversación telefónica que abrirá camino al disco, comienza con "You broke the circle", quizá la más movida de este trabajo, se desliza con un drum and bass machacón, y unas voces que parecen cantadas por el coro del ejercito rojo, para dejar después a Royal Jones, que su privilegiada voz arremeta sin tapujos contra el "soul diva" más descarnado.

Temas como "Confussed" dejan el poso a sabor Curtis Mayfield, ese sonido tan característico, ese funky meloso que sólo podía salir de la cabeza de aquel genio, aquí parece homenajeado, a destacar la increible producción de Codee, mucha clase.

Mientras que en "Pain stain" crece con la concepción musical más TTD, si bien Royal Jones consigue un ambiente mucho más evocador y relantizado.

"Beware" huele a clásico por los cuatro costados, desde los ritmos de la batería, los coros negros y las guitarras preciosistas, dejan los samplers aparcados y ofrecen toda la realidad de una gran banda soul.

Otro tema destacable es "Reality (play loud)", el artista se embarca en un viaje soul alucinogeno simplemente para demostrarnos sus capacidades vocales, africanismo y oscuridad en un ambiente amenazador.

Royal Jones ha creado con "You broke the circle" un álbum original, rico en matices soul y con mucho gancho, sin duda es una gran diva, ya lo ha conseguido.

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the following review courtesy of West Coast Indie...

Royal Jones - You Broke The Circle

I'm going to start this off by saying I am probably not the best person to review Royal Jone's CD. I was slightly sheltered from the style of music that he is so inspired by while I myself was growing up. I hear things I like on this CD, I can see the appeal for others that "know" this kind of music. I Love the funk aspect, the loungy-ness and can see the huge appeal in the more upbeat tracks. I'm just at a loss to really say anything that can really be taken seriously from a person that doesn't have the background in this genre.

What genre am I talking about? Well Royal Jones is a self proclaimed "soul diva". His songs are full of danceable grooves and smooth vocals, they're funky, loungy, and upbeat dance tracks that are probably doing well within the New York club scene.

The CD is well produced and slickly delivered. If you're a fan of danceable, soulful, funky music then you SHOULD check him out.

Added: July 3rd 2005

Reviewer: waynerd from West Coast Indie

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the following is a

TAXI REVIEW of YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE

(the single release)written by Royal Jones and Codee

alternative pop .dance influences to this track

Good music in verses,

well written structure, good sectional contrast.

First line makes me want to hear more. Engaging. Cohesive .Good use of imagery .Rhymes well Vocal does help to sell the song. Good vocal.

Personal. .confident production.. sounds like every part ended up where you wanted it too..solid studio craft.

Vocal attitude ,personality is the glue that holds this together..chorus melody,vocal EFX are a contrast to the verse.Melody and Lyric work well with one another.good overall presentation.

Listener ID27

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A night at the club dancing to Royal Jones

Added : ( Wed Feb 18 2004 )

The new release on the independent MBIBE record label 'Broke the circle'has finally been mastered. the long awaited 'Echo' and 'You broke the Circle' are finally going to make it to Tower.com ....I can guarantee you've never heard a male vocalist anything like the innovative experimetal Royal Jones... as fresh as the morning doodle. truly an imaginative songwriter/ colorful lyricist sporting his 4 octave range.I'd say this guy can do just about anything with his voice.This sincere artist will have you smiling and moving your rusty dusty for sure!..........salem observer Submitted by: pinky shears

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ROYAL JONES' "YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE"

Rally on the dance floor and proclaim that this New Millennium will meld the genders and blend the races.

Royal Jones' new CD, YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE, confirms that white men do become soulful divas. Our Royal Jones wrote his original songs with the vibes of human truths: Love. Misery. Bliss. Despair. Loneliness. Celebration. Ecstasy!

Produced and arranged by the masterful CODEE, YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE is an American coronation breaking the endless circle this presidential wasteland has been parading before the Planet.

Bold. Free. Backroom decadence. YOU BROKE THE CIRCLEdeems to be this year's intoxication. Imbibe!

Confused? Echoes in your brainwaves? Out of control? Beware! Break your circle. Have an epiphany and love like a freak. It is time for

reality (play loud). See? YOU BROKE THE CIRCLE

(JW GARAND 2006)

Born in Methuen Massachusetts

New Hampshire's Royal Jones (RJ) began his collaborating in the late 70's with Nancy Rosenberg on The Stars Weren't Right in Harvard Square.

RJ rehearsed standards, jazz, and show tunes with Berklee students in Boston. He appeared in choruses while attending junior college. This all prompted his imminent departure from the Merrimack Valley area. Upon moving to Boston, he studied voice with Ed Mousally at the Community Music Center on Warren Ave. He tells me, “I was so devoted. I recall puking on the steps to the place. I could never turn back. (I was just) so serious intending never to miss a lesson”.

When asked about his vast vocal range, RJ admits the soprano Frances Demoulas Kettenbach taught at Bradford College and initiated a brief period of classical music studies for his vocal development. Jay Pieleki in Hudson, New Hampshire, tried to perfect a screaming style, "very atrociously and unsuccessfully", he laughingly adds. RJ seems to delve in a total range of musical style and appreciation. Sure enough: Fred Jones from the Grace Church in Lawrence, Massachusetts, helped assist with the chorale and protestant hymnal music exposure. Dante Pavone in Boston 's South End assisted with a pop style of training "....laying flat on the ground and letting the notes pour forth from the core. Very stressful. Very painful. Very revealing." Renowned accompanist Jim Hix worked with RJ in the Back Bay of Bean Town while wowing the Fan Club ,a posh nightclub likened to NYC's Studio 54. (RJ is quick to add, "It paled in comparison, however." Roger Hawk, John Mattick, and many others helped our young Royal Jones with arrangements and exposure to more jazz and "popular pop". Spending two years studying with New England Conservatory's Geraldine Berkovitz Martin in the Third Stream Department developed a treasured musical friendship which added depth and perception. RJ regally adds, "Working closely with a coach is therapeutic and exposes your inner soul. It's like — a spiritual, much-needed release from the pressures of being a 'Royal' in a 'Common' world.

Other treasured friends who greatly influenced Royal Jones' style include Detroit councilwoman Martha Reeves . RJ says, "I'll never forget her coaching me ‘Unchained Melody’ the famed Righteous Bros recording backstage at a gig. The lyrics Martha knows makes my head spin." An aficionado on Motown's 60's period, RJ befriended Martha Reeves, "a MOTOWN LEGEND", at the historical Bottom Line in NYC's Washington Square and, of course, she him. I laughed at how RJ gushed, "Hard to imagine being such a devout, absolute fan of this Diva's incredible legacy of legendary recordings from Motown/Gordy, MCA, Arista, Fantasy, and now ITCH having the opportunity to actually discuss the legendary recordings creation at length and in vivid detail caused this devotee's head to spin... I mean to say is: I was so impressed, inspired, and in awe of... Well, this was someone of the highest caliber I would try to emulate. A daunting task!"

A move to NYC, in 1979, found Royal Jones in the company "of many cult icons. Some hanging out at NYC's 9th Circle in the West Village and, naturally, at the legendary Studio 54." This was not the first mention of the infamous club. I had to ask, "How did a New Hampshire greenhorn make it through the doors of Studio 54?" RJ's laugh was big and genuine. He giggled, "I was allowed frequent entry courtesy of a childhood best friend who had a job there as head waiter."

RJ was on a roll, "Oh, the shows and the divas back then! Alton McLain lived next door to The Circle and sang on the subway even! Imagine? How could I follow that? Fat Tuesday's (that Dizzy Gillespie hologram), and the aforementioned now defunct without a trace Bottom Line, Sweetwater's,Private’s, The Horn of Plenty, Reno Sweeney’s. Great! Paul’s Mall in Boston. The 'Savoy' in Times Square in the 80's. I was fortunate to experience true soul greatness first hand. Martha Reeves, Darlene Love, Martha Wash,Cissy Houston, Mary Wells, Mary Wilson, Gwen Guthrie, Deniece Williams, Thelma Houston, The Staples, Ebony Jo-Ann, Whitney Houston as a baby with her Mama all over NYC. Aretha! Patti Labelle! I was there at the theatre at Madison Square Garden, when Patti passed out on stage. Wow, how scary was that! We thought it was good theater. And when party animal, the beautiful Phyllis Hyman, joined Patti on stage for You Are My Friend at the Savoy Theatre. The memories: Sarah Dash at Sweetwater’s and the Tunnel, and so many places; Nona Hendryx bombing at the Bottom Line; Rough Trade booed off stage on Valentines Day at the Beacon. Wow! Even Shirley Bassey at Carnegie Hall ...who am I leaving out. Surely, I digress. Back to 'After taking in The Show'...."

Finally, Royal Jones met with renowned musician Steve Sandberg who produced the Royal Jones 'Ruffle in a Bag of Plain' basement tracks. Remaining "unreleased due to lack of interest, frankly, and the financial undertaking it would have required at that space in time," RJ was determined to be heard. There are fourteen tracks in all, not including varying mixes of several, and some very fabulous outtakes. Royal Jones has spent a lifetime recording his poetry as lyrics. A couple tracks from RIABOP are featured in full-length on the RoyalJones.com website.

Royal Jones has performed at NYC OUT MUSIC at the GLHC Center's monthly show on West 13th Street in Manhattan. Sandberg introduced the shy Jones to Out Music at his own performance there. RJ's comparisons were quite comical yet uplifting: "a disco Neil Young, an Amish Sylvester, Barbra, Aretha ....The song was RESCUE ME FROM MYSELF written by MJ Reilly and Steve Sandberg. An uneven performance to be kind. People need to grow ears. Thanks though!"

Skip ahead to 2003 when Royal Jones met Richard Morris which led to a meeting with Eric "CODEE" Cody and the EP Make Things Nice and the CD You Broke the Circle. Both CDs include all original material by Jones, Codee, and Mark Reilly. "And one by Sandberg as well! It's great!"

"What about now?", I ask. I find out that RJ is working closely with the "divine Janice Friedman". It seems good things do come to those who wait. His repertoire, expertise, and range have increased significantly. A new-found freedom is evident upon listening to some cover tracks being laid down. The show is 2 hours long. Dear in the Headlights, an autobiographical one-man show, stars "Royal Jones — of course, Dearie".

Gossip: His latest collaboration being passed around "unmixed and ruff" is the catchy acoustic funk original NO TIME LIKE TODAY written by Royal Jones and Janice Friedman.

Royal Jones' last NYC appearance was in January of 2006 when he was guest artist with the wonderful Stephanie Clark. He sang If I Ever Come Down and Home — the Charles Smalls classic from The Wiz which has been a staple in Jones repertoire for years.

His energy, I am sure, has just been tapped. He traversed many an alley. He is now "home". Stay tuned. I hope you get to see the emotional, eye-poppingly odd, sincere, cuddly, adorable, talented Royal Jones. He's a dear that deserves to be headed in the bright light of one's life.

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