Paul Ubana Jones returns to Gisborne

ONE: Solo performer Paul Ubana Jones returns to Gisborne for a one-night only performance at Pepper’s BeachFront. Picture supplied

A REBELLIOUS surfie poet throughout the 1970s and into the ’80s, Gary McCormick met musician Paul Ubana Jones in Raglan and invited him to Gisborne. Jones had only recently immigrated to New Zealand so he moved his family down here to live on the East Coast. He later shifted to Motueka then Oxford in North Canterbury.

Jones returns to Gisborne on Saturday to perform at a three-course, mid-winter banquet at Pepper’s BeachFront.

Born to an English mother and Nigerian father, Jones trained in classical guitar and cello at Chiswick Music School. He later forged the unique contemporary style, influenced by blues, rock, folk and jazz, he has developed over the years.

“It was this interest in diversity which saw Paul Ubana Jones play a variety of musical styles throughout the 1970s,” wrote New Zealand music journalist John Dix.

Jones performed baroque and renaissance music as part of a trio, and played rhythm guitar in a be-bop group.

“In 1975-76 he played electric guitar in an Athens nightclub band featuring an eight-piece brass section with a drummer.

“Later back in London he then put his own band together named Ubana.”

Over the years, Jones has shared the stage with artists such as Taj Mahal, Keb Mo, Norah Jones, Bob Dylan and Crowded House. Bono loved his cover of U2’s hit One so much he put it on his website.