Craig Allen says: ‘Meet Jesus Jones’

Jesus Jones is an alternative dance/rack band that formed in Bradford-On-Avon, Wiltshire, England in 1988. But, they would have to wait til the 1990's for their biggest hit!

The band, led by Mike Edwards, showcased electronic music, incorporating house and techno styles, becoming one of the leading early-90's indie dance bands.

While on vacation in Spain in 1988, Edwards (vocals/guitar), along with Iaian Baker (keyboards) and Jerry DeBorg (guitar), decided to leave their current band, and form their own band.

The name of this new band, "Jesus Jones" came about when the guys realized that they were three "Joneses" sitting on a beach in Spain, surrounded by people named "Jesus."

Soon, Al Jaworski (bass) and Simon "Gen" Matthews (drums) would round out the band.

The band's 1989 album "Liquidizer" brought them their first critical acclaim. In particular, the song "Info Freako" ...

...which featured rock guitars, music sampling, and had a hip-hop feel. The "Liquidizer" album did not result in any hits in the U.S.

In 1990, Jesus Jones recorded their second album, "Doubt," but the record company did not release the album in the "states" until 1991!

The lead-off song, "Right Here, Right Now" was a smash here in New Jersey (#2/1991). The song is about the quick end of the "Cold War." Notice all the clips of the end of the Berlin Wall, and of the politicians of the time (Bush 1 and Gorbachev in particular).

It is interesting to note that "Right Here, Right Now" was only a #31 record in England (1990)...

"Right Here, Right Now" would have an afterlife as well...not only as part of "Best Of's" and 1990's compilations, but as the soundtrack in commercials. K-Mart used the song in 2006. It was an image song for CBS News at about the same time. In 2010, "Right Here, Right Now" sold Fords!

Back to the Jesus Jones hit timeline...

The first song released in England (but the second release in NJ), "Real Real Real" would be a #4 hit (1991) on the Hot 100. It would only hit #19 (1990) in their native England.

Jesus Jones was the only British band to win a coveted MTV award in 1991, when they picked up the "Best Newcomer" statue. Further, in April 1991, British music magazines noted that a Jesus Jones U.S. tour had sold out before the band could even reach the American shores.

In 1993, Jesus Jones recorded the "Perverse" album. While it sold respectably, the album did not reach the sales numbers of "Doubt."

"Perverse" was one of the first rock albums to be recorded digitally, in its entirety.

There would be no American radio hits from this album (or any others to date).

At this time (1993), Jesus Jones went on hiatus. They would return to the studio in 1996. After the recording sessions, drummer "Gen" (Simon Matthews) would leave the band.

The fourth album, "Already" was released in 1997, after which the band and their (British) label, EMI, parted company. SBK records had the distribution deal, here...

The band's first "Greatest Hits" album hit shelves in 1999.

For the next few years, the band members would remain in contact, but they would not return to the recording studio til 2001. New drummer Tony Arthy would join the band for the low-selling "London" album (2001).

The band's old label, EMI, released a "Best Of" CD in 2001...called "Never Enough" The Best Of Jesus Jones."

2004 brought the release of the EP "Culture Vulture."

Since around 2005, Jesus Jones has performed live, from time to time...including "The World's Smallest World Tour" in 2011...3 Australian shows, and a closer in Japan!

Jesus Jones released a series of albums (mostly EPs) via download in England in 2010.

"The Collection & Other Rarities" (Best Of) would be released in 2011.

Last year, Simon "Gen" Matthews, the band's original drummer, returned to Jesus Jones, upon the retirement of Tony Arthy (who would pursue other interests).

What else is Jesus Jones up to in 2015? For photos, videos, band news and more, visit their official site by clicking....right here, right now!

Above: Check out Jesus Jones, LIVE in Sydney, Australia, in 2011!