The debut album by sensational new female pop duo “The Debutantes” is the creation of Alan Jones, a man with his finger firmly on the pulse of today’s music trends and an extensive knowledge of pop history- because he was part of it.
So it’s not surprising that the 14 songs on The Debutantes’s new recording have a definite 60’s ‘vibe’ mixed with a strong 2Ist Century appeal.
Alan Jones has enjoyed a long, colourful career in both music and fashion, having enjoyed success as an original member / sax player with 1960’s chart toppers Amen Corner, famed for classic pop hits “Bend Me, Shape Me”, “High In The Sky”, “(If Paradise Is) Half As Nice” and more, and touring with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd.
Following the band’s break-up, Alan formed the ‘supergroup’ Judas Jump who were managed by the infamous Don Arden and after that band broke-up, became involved in the world of high-end rock n’ roll fashion, opening a chain of clothing shops in the UK and pioneering the fashion explosion on Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles during the ‘eighties with his shop Let it Rock which catered for a clientele including Michael Jackson, Prince and Bruce Springsteen.
He was also responsible for the career of The LA Guns managing them for five years and orchestrating a deal with Polygram Records with whom they sold one million records of their debut album.
All these experiences have led to Alan creating, writing and recording an album of songs which he describes as ‘Symphonic Pop”, performed by two very talented, beautiful sisters from Cardiff – Victoria & Lavinia George-Veale – collectively known as ‘The Debutantes”.
The album was engineered by Richard Jackson (who co-produced with Alan) and features Victora and Lavinia’s stunning blend of voices combined with John Rea’s lush orchestration. Featuring strong melodies and catchy sixties style ‘hooks’,the album has the feel of Phil Spector’ s “Wall of Sound “mixed with Abba - like vocals. Many of the 14 tracks are potential singles , including a version of the Amen Corner no 1 hit “(If Paradise is ) Half as Nice “ with a cameo vocal from the bands lead singer Andy Fairweather Low.
There’s no doubt that with their debut recording, ‘The Debutantes’ have put the ‘class’ into classic pop!
Keep Cardiff Live was lucky enough to sit down with Alan to talk about his fascinating career in music and his latest project, The Debutantes.
