KEEPING UP

Inner tensions among Jonesy's leader John Evan-Jones and the rest of the band continued, resulting the departure of Jim Payne and David Paull, who went on to play with Ken Hensel.Their replacements were Richard "Plug" Thomas and Nicholas Greenwood.Meanwhile John asked his brother Trevor "Gypsy" Jones to consider rejoining the group, as it eventually happened.Even so Greenwood's stint with Jonesy was brief and a fresh reformation included Alan Bown on trumpet and percussion.With Ray Russell (future guitarist of Chopyn) helping out on string arrangements Jonesy recorded their second album ''Keeping up...'' at Escape Studios in March 1973, released the same year on Dawn Records.

Members abandonded the band, but the return of Gypsy Jones helped Jonesy retain the inspiration of the debut, combining elements from Jazz, Orchestral and Pop Music into an attractive progressive amalgam, which is maybe not groundbreaking but comes as warmly recommended.The first few pieces with the dominant Mellotron, the well-crafted vocals, the smooth string/piano lines and the mix of calm and more passionate material showcase why Jonesy were fairly compared to KING CRIMSON.Discreet psychedelic touches, jazzy guitar and trumpets and symphonic Mellotron offer a consistent blend of different influences.The long and rather experimental ''Critique'' comes as a dissapointment, showing Jonesy in a relaxed mood, flirting with Lounge Jazz, theater acoustics and hypnotic, Psychedelic Rock, but things will get back in shape with ''Children'', another long but interesting piece of early-70's Prog Rock with KING CRIMSON vibes and light Horn Rock touches: Dreamy melodies, strong psychedelic guitars, omnipresent Mellotron and dramatic atmospheres.Great cut.

A typical example of diverse and well-executed British Prog of the 70's.Orchestral/jazzy Prog with a wide spectrum of different images.Warmly recommended.