BRIAN JONES

“Pleasure of Your Company” - A great starter- no matter how far be it physically or in your dreams - what could be better.

Two songs from Ian’s Country period, “Unrequited Love” and “Oh to be a Cowboy”, a love that is sadly going just one way, but you just have to keep looking.

“When the Liners Came Back to Liverpool”, you could practically walk across the Mersey from deck to deck. Brian played banjo on this song that Ian collected from his grandfather, I’ll be joining a Liner in the Mersey in the New Year for a trip to Canada.

“All the Way From Australia”, Royal charter 1856 left and returned in 1859 battered on the rocks off Marlborough, Anglesey, more than 400 perished, still clutching the sacks of gold they had earned prospecting. Less than 100 survived.

“Friends You’ll Never Meet”, Ian picked the idea up following the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales, Ian only sang it once, with Brian now resurrecting what is a beautiful song.

“Australia Bound”, a song well known to all Tom Topping Band fans. A bitter sweet goodbye to someone much loved.

The interval was brought up with my all time favourite from Ian’s pen, “Oban”, the song tells the story of what for me is the most beautiful harbour north of the border. I can’t help thinking the local tourist board missed a trick by not adopting this song, which would certainly attract people.

“Over the Moors”, a love story based as you would expect in Ian’s homeland of which he was fiercely proud. A song which to say the least has a very wordy chorus.

“Song for You”, the words followed as Ian picked up his guitar as many of his songs do, thoughts and words turned to love.

“She’s My Welsh Lady”, Ann, Ian’s wife, must have been delighted as this song was for her.

“Farewell to Deeside”, this was Ian’s own special part of North Wales, Hawarden, Queensferry, Buckley, et al.

“Old Men Marching in the Sun”, I know we always remember our glorious dead, but they were once just boys, called up to do their duty but so many never returned, that remembrance should never be forgotten.

A powerful, poignant song.

“No More Disasters Tonight”, the Gresford Mining Disaster on 22nd September 1934 killed 266 men, 480 on shift, left 200 widows, many many fatherless children and the men died with their pay packets still in their pockets.

You hear of mine disasters but they belong elsewhere but when it happens on your own doorstep it is real and unbelievable, even the moon wept.

A favourite song for the late Ron Chesterman, “So Many Souvenirs “, cuttings, photographs, all faded memories, he raised a glass to those who had gone before.

“Nice to Hear the Old Songs”, old songs always win the day. New songs may be up and coming but no matter how new, you always find yourself harking back to the tunes and words that continue to mean something to you personally.

“Like Old Friends”, Ian wrote so many of his songs in reflective mood. He always believed we would all meet again one day.

So much to look back on and enjoy, times that should be celebrated and never forgotten.

“Next Time Around”, brought the curtain down on a superb evening of songs that will never be forgotten, sung by Brian Jones on top form and still enjoying what he does best.

Ian’s favourite folk club was undoubtedly Wrexham, a club that has never changed down the years. The room is upstairs at the “Nags Head Pub” in the town centre with a mixture of guest nights and singers nights.

Run superbly by Goff Jones, so if you get the opportunity go along, you won’t be disappointed.