Lea Jones

...some of Lea's solo originals and some old band tunes are over on
www.myspace.com/leajones2 - lea jones

2009 Comments: I was simply blown away by your superb harmonies and variety of selections at the Senator show and know you would be well received at our series.
Tish Michel, TUUC Concerts

Saw you at EcoFest and thought you sounded great!
Patti Hawse, KarmaFest/Day of Peace

2008 Comments: The Swing States Road Show provided a thoroughly entertaining evening of engaging, socially conscious music, weaving seamlessly from rhythm to rhythm, style to style, swapping leads and harmonies with ease. At the conclusion of their final song, the audience had no choice but to demand an encore with a standing ovation. We have heard nothing but kudos for the Road Show’s rousing performance. -------------Greg Shupe Special Events Coordinator Baltimore Folk Music Society--------2/29/08 - Baltimore Folk Music Society

Following an Earth Day concert in Owings Mills, Inspiration Community founder Jessica Dibb said of the new band: It was such a treat to listen to a band that is uplifting, harmonious, creative, and socially conscious all at the same time. Listening to The Swing States Road Show is nourishing personally and transformative for the world. - Jessica Dibb

Lea's original tunes have placed him in the:

TOP 10 of the Mountain Stage New Song festival in 2004

Semi-Finals of the Mountain Stage New Song festival in 2005

Top 3 of the Portland Music Association's Songwriting Competition, as well as winner of Best Folk and Best Latin categories

Best of Baltimore Songwriters Assoc. 10 Year Anniversary (juried) CD "Songs from a Charmed City"

Airplay on NPR (nationally)

Top Sellers on CDBaby (2007) - Mountain Stage / NewSong

http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/articles/2008/04/10/features/encore/encore2.txtFolk Folk rock band turns to apolitical tunes: Swing States Road Show to perform in Mount Airy

Their name and history as a former protest band might imply a certain political leaning for members of the Swing State Road Show.

But vocalist and guitarist Lea Jones said his second incarnation of the swing and folk rock band he started five years ago will no longer be playing songs about the war and upcoming presidential election.

"The band is [now] strictly apolitical," he said.

The Swing States Road Show is coming to Elk Run Vineyards in Frederick County, just outside of Taylorsville, this Friday to perform their songs of peace, love and understanding. Jones has performed his solo act at the outdoor venue a handful of times, and he convinced co-founders Stuart Rodes and Judith Geller and member F. Vattel Cherry to join him for the latest performance.

"It's a one-time deal," said Jones. All of the members are from the Baltimore area.

In 2006, the band's previous members played in Carroll and Frederick counties several times to support Democratic candidate Andrew Duck's run for the 6th District congressional seat.

Jones said the Swing States Road Show had started out as a protest band against the war in Iraq in 2003 and gradually became more progressive. The anti-Bush tour raised money and awareness for the Democratic Party and performed for advocacy groups members supported.

Then, Jones grew tired of using his music to fight political wars.

"I got so wrapped up in it for a couple years it was consuming [me]," he said. "What good is that?"

When the original band broke up on election night of 2006, Jones immediately got started on putting together a new acoustic ensemble to perform more positive music.

That month, Jones resumed the Swing State Road Show with vocalists Rodes and Geller. Cherry, who plays bass, later joined the group to bring a jazz element to their act.

Jones met Rodes and Geller through the Waldorf School of Baltimore, which their children attended. Rodes said Jones had joined the community singing circles he led in Ellicott City, and the new band began performing shortly after it was formed.

"We wanted to make music that would support the causes we believe in," Rodes said.

That category is broad but applies to people who institute change at a grassroots level, he said. Just last month, the band performed at Dance for Democracy, aimed at raising consciousness about universal voter registration, nonpartisan elections and other democracy issues.

The band covers pieces by artists ranging from Bob Marley to Bob Wills, as well as some original material with an upbeat message, Jones said.

He said he originally had not intended on keeping the name Swing States Road Show after forming the new ensemble - it didn't make sense given the new theme.

However, he said the publicity he received around the time of the '06 election changed his mind. He had spent more than a decade trying to gain that level of exposure after moving to Maryland from the West Coast in 1993.

"Changing the name would be like starting at the very bottom of the hill all over again," Jones said. - Carroll County Times

So glad I finally got out to hear your group on Saturday ! You guys were fabulous..... took me out of myself, away from my worries and reminded me 'what is really important'. Was that a concert, or an hour of effective therapy : )
Loved it - A new fan

Comments on Lea Jones' original recordings and performances....

"Your CD has not left my car stereo for a week!"
WYPR-FM, Carol Madow, Baltimore

"A fine singer and a fine, fine songwriter."
Tony Sica, WTMD, Baltimore

"A soothing and wide ranging voice, an imaginative songwriting ability, and a great wry-dry sense of humor..."
Eugene Folklore Society

"One of those natural performers who is able to establish good feelings with the audience from the first moment.. a show that seems effortless and is a total joy."
Corvallis Folklore Society

"A behavioral counselor who happens to be a singer and songwriter; what will they think of next? Jones sings songs about his private life and how damn hard it's been. So, if you want to feel sorry for someone other than yourself, well, Jones does it in public."
Willamette Week, Portland, OR

"Fans of folk-influenced singers (Shawn Colvin, David Wilcox, et al) will have another favorite if they wisely choose to introduce themselves to this talented neighbor."
Willamette Week, Portland, OR

"This man was some performer.. He sang a wide-ranging set of original tunes with a dry witty stage presence that had the audience eating out of his hand."
Willamette Valley Folk Festival Frank Gosar - Folk Societies, Radio, Newspapers

I was impressed by their ease on stage & their engagement with the audience....heavenly harmonies, clear lyrics and an infectious love of music and song.... What an impressive group of professionals! Not to be missed.
Jennifer Downs, Coordinator - Paul Levin Memorial Concert, 2008, Baltimore - Jennifer Downs