Welcome to
Openhouse Studio
Folk Music Legacy
Created by Brian Jones, with daughter; Samantha, this website is a legacy project designed to bring ‘folk up to date.’
Explore the website, listen to the music and read the stories starting from the 60’s revival through to present day.
Welcome to
Openhouse Studio
Folk Music Legacy
Created by Brian Jones, with daughter; Samantha, this website is a legacy project designed to bring ‘folk up to date.’
Explore the website, listen to the music and read the stories starting from the 60’s revival through to present day.
OUR latestPODCAST
KEEP FOLK TALKING
Brian Jones with John Finnan
In the latest episode of Keep Folk Talking, John Finnan joins Brian Jones to share his vivid tales of a musical upbringing, encounters with legends like Pete Seeger, the formation of the iconic Black Diamonds, and the inception of the Chester Folk Festival, all while celebrating a lifelong devotion to the vibrant folk music scene.
In the latest episode of Keep Folk Talking, John Finnan joins Brian Jones to share his vivid tales of a musical upbringing, encounters with legends like Pete Seeger, the formation of the iconic Black Diamonds, and the inception of the Chester Folk Festival, all while celebrating a lifelong devotion to the vibrant folk music scene.
KEEP FOLK TALKING
WITH John Finnan
Join Brian Jones and his good friend Jack Owen as they delve into the life and career of the singer-songwriter himself. From the days when his battered guitar was a mainstay in the folk revival, to his impressive collection of Martins today, you’re in for a treat. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee and settle in for another tale on “Keep Folk Talking”
We’re thrilled to bring you a special episode of the ‘Keep Folk Talking’ podcast, celebrating the incredible legacy of jazz and folk double bass virtuoso, Ron Chesterman.
Taking you back to 2007, where Geoff Speed and John Finnan join, on Radio Merseyside’s folk scene programme as they delve into Ron’s fascinating musical journey, from his beginnings with Chester’s Wall City Jasmine to his pivotal role in the Black Diamond Folk Group.
This episode features a rare, historical broadcast from 1986, offering a unique glimpse into Ron’s life and his profound impact on both jazz and folk music. Discover how Ron navigated the shifting musical landscapes, blending traditional sounds with his distinct style and passion.
The Resident
He does what’s known within the trade as ‘The Kamikaze Spot’
He’s there to warm you buggers up and try to make you sing
But the highlight of the evening is when he breaks a string!
Folk don’t always listen they’re busy at the bar
Or chatting to each other and drowning his guitar
Sometimes he thinks he’s cracked it
When some open mouths he’ll see
But it’s only some old friends he’s brought
And they came in for free!
Why do we do it? I don’t know, we masochistic band
Maybe one day we’ll find that never, Neverland
Where an audience has ears and sings just like a choir
When you ask them to join in they raise their voices higher
Like some Eisteddfod winners far removed from any pub
Why then I’ll know I’ve really died and hosting Heaven’s Folk Club.
OUR song OF THE MONTH
Colin Henderson: “I wrote ‘One More For The Road’ number of years ago as a nod to a great singer and guitarist named Jack Hudson who I met when I was performing with The Tom Topping Band.
Jack became a good friend of ours and we performed at the same gigs on many occasions. Jack often performed a song called ‘Geronimo’s Cadillac’ (written by Charles John Quarto and Michael Martin Murphey) the chorus of which says ‘Hey boys, take me back. I want to ride in Geronimo’s Cadillac’. The Tom Topping Band ‘stole’ the song from Jack and we performed it often, too. When I first met Jack I was an aspiring song writer and he encouraged me with the words “Don’t let it die, if there’s a song to sing you have to try. If you’ve got something to say, stand up there and play”
As ‘One More For The Road’ was written for Jack, references to the Cadillac and to his inspiring words inevitably found their way into the song. Jack, sadly, passed away in 2022 and it seemed appropriate to re-record One More For The Road.”
discover
OUR ARTISTS
BRIAN
JONES
Brian shares his stories from the early years, starting out during the folk revival of the 60’s
GORDON AND BRIAN (BROTHERS)
In 1965, Brian and his brother Gordon started singing together in local folk clubs. Pete McGovern christened them ‘The Lads’
ALIAS GLOVER & JONES
Alias Glover & Jones played Folk Clubs from the Midlands to the North West in the 1970’s. Read Tim’s story…
JONES & COMPANY
Original Jones and Company; Brian, Helen and Janet; the start of the Jones Family harmony singing dynasty
THE JONES FAMILY
The first generation of Jones Family Band started in the 80s with Helen, my wife, and Janet, her younger sister.
