Latest News & Gigs

30 November 2018

We're delighted to release our debut single 'Don't Make Me Laugh'

This is available on the usual digital platforms, Spotify, Apple, Deezer etc.

If you'd like to show your appreciation, then it's available for a quid here at Bandcamp.

No pressure, we hope you enjoy however you hear it!

Check out our video here:

Also, thanks so much to everyone who came down to Katzpace last Tuesday to hear us play a live set and get a sneak peek at the video.

We received a really warm and positive response, and all the band thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Here are a few photos:

Anyway that will probably be all for us until after Xmas when we'll be making another announcement.

We really hope you enjoy the single, and if you do, then please spread the word.

Incidentally, you can follow us on Instagram if you're a user of that particular strain of social media crack. We're luddites, so don't update too often, but it's good to keep in touch.

Thanks once again for your support, have a great Christmas.

Jon, Huw, Simon & Andy x

24 September 2018

Carcrash Casino present the 'Don't Make Me Laugh' single launch on Tuesday 27th November 2018

This takes place at:

Video playback starts at 19:30 prompt, followed by a 40-minute live set.

After this there will be a short Q&A session with the band hosted by Gary Fox.

It's £3 on the door.

Please go HERE for the Facebook Event page

Katz is such a great venue, we hope you can make it down.

Jon, Huw, Simon & Andy x 

24 September 2018

Hi all. My back catalogue is back up on Spotify and all digital streaming services, now under my actual name - which should make things easier to find. Click here.

The next music to be released will be from my band Carcrash Casino, but, as I've mentioned before, there is an unfinished album of mine (which I started in 2015 and am *still* working on) to be released next year!

Carcrash Casino's December matinee show at The Half Moon is now postponed until 2019 due to personnel changes in beautiful mechanica. I'll keep you posted. 

Finally, I am supporting The Smyths at Brudenell Social Club in Leeds during their three-night residency Thursday 28th - Saturday 30th September. I'll be playing tunes from my back catalogue, new Carcrash Casino songs and also songs from my forthcoming solo album. This is genuinely one of the best venues in Britain, in terms of layout, atmosphere, sound and people - so really thrilled to be playing there.

More soon.

J x

22 August 2018

However, looking forward a bit, we have a Christmas matinee show supporting beautiful mechanica at The Half Moon Putney on Sunday December 9th . Those outside the big smoke could come and do some Christmas shopping, afternoon gig and see the lights in the evening - what more could you ask for?

Tickets are on sale now, at this link: *THIS SHOW HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED, PLEASE SEE ABOVE*

03 July 2018

Morning all, it's been a while.

As I mentioned in the last update, I have a new band called 'Carcrash Casino'



We play songs written by myself both new and old.

The spiel goes: 

'Carcrash casino are a London 4-piece. A bunch of music freaks coming together to make honest organic music with a wide range of influences. British indie, prog, pop with the urgency and melody of The Who and The Jam'. 

The idea is to release an EP sooner rather than later. Followed by another. We've been in the studio, and will keep you posted.

We've had a couple of low-key gigs, and we have another this Thursday 5th July at The Hope & Anchor, Islington, London N11RL. We're telling people about this one, hence this email.

This is part of a new series of nights called 'Frank Nights' which aim to have three or four quality acts on the bill. We will be some time after 8pm.

Full details for Thursday are HERE

Hope anyone in the London area can make it. We're all looking forward to it.

Cheers,


Jon, Huw, Simon & Andy


PS. If you're wondering what's happening with my 'new' solo album I started recording in *ahem* December 2015 - Well, that has also taken a lot of shape, all songs in very varying stages of completeness. It won't be ready this year, but it will be released eventually!

Hello.

It's been ages.

I've started a band called Carcrash Casino. We had a gig, it went well, there will be more gigs and an EP in a couple of months.

The solo album I've been working on for the past couple of years will see the light of day eventually. Just not yet.

In the meantime I have been supporting The Smyths at selected shows, playing a selection of Carcrash songs and one-or-two oldies.

CC gigs I will put up here when confirmed.

Best,

J x

This Sunday 2nd July I am playing at The Half Moon, Putney, London SW15 1EU.

They are showcasing and celebrating their favourite acts from the past 6 months. Only £2.50 entry. Food served until 10pm. Doors open at 5pm.

I'm on at around nine o'clock. Doors open at 5pm.

Be good to see some heads down there!

More details HERE.

J x

I will be playing a short set at a benefit this coming Sunday 18th June at Katzenjammers Bierkeller & Restaurant, Southwark Street, London, SE1 1TY.

Free entry, free food and entertainment, and all bar profits will go to the victims and families affected by the dreadful attacks that occured on London Bridge and in the Borough Market area the weekend before last.

This is an area close to my heart, a proper community around the pubs, restaurants and market. I frequent it quite regularly, and have made good friends and had good times there.

To have something like that so close to home is a devastating feeling, and I'm really happy that I can play.

The evening is called F**K HATE, starts at 6pm (I'm on around 7), an eclectic mix of acts finishing with an acoustic set by Band Of Skulls. Should be a great evening, find out more HERE.

On Saturday 22nd July I am playing at a Fundraisier for Greenwich & Bexley Hospice at The White Swan pub in Charlton Village, London, SE7 8UD.

There is food, a BBQ, and a real ale festival all afternoon. Music starts at 6pm, I'm playing a 45-minute set sometime after 6.45. Again free entry and a great cause.

Between these dates I hope to get more recording done, and perhaps another gig. Hope to see some of you soon.

J x

I will be playing new material at The Half Moon in Putney, London on Monday 10th April.

Doors at 7.30. I'm first on. It's £2.50, there are four acts at the great 'New Moon' night at this famous venue. More information HERE.

Hope some of you can make it. x

I was told about the 'FAWM' project, in which you try and write 14 songs in the month of February.

It's a community-based site where you record a song/demo from scratch pretty quickly (obviously!), musicians can try stuff out, record any bits of ideas, go out of their comfort-zone in terms of style etc etc.

Anyway, I came to it pretty late - the ninth, I think, so I can pretty much say I won't get to fourteen. I've written and recorded three songs already though - all very different in style.

If you'd like to check them out please go my FAWM page HERE, where you can find the songs which are hosted on Soundcloud. I'm hoping to do at least another two before the month is out.

So, life got in the way and I didn't make an album last year. I hope to this year.

It might be under my real name leaving the three jh albums as a kind of trilogy. Not sure yet. Might even play some gigs too.

No new music since 2013. Far too long. News will appear here and on my Facebook page.

If you prefer email then send one to jhmusicuk@gmail.com to subscribe.

Best place to listen to/buy my stuff digitally or otherwise is my Bandcamp page.

Ta-da for now x

Happy new year to everyone, it's been a while!

I have some bits of news.

Firstly, I have started work on the new jh album. We recorded some drums (played by Huw James, who drummed at the last gig) in Bristol a few weeks ago. Then I went off to a cottage in France which was kindly lent to me for a week to start editing drum takes and recording some acoustic guitars, bass, electric guitar, percussion and vocals. There's a long way to go, it's still in its infancy, but was a very productive week. I recorded a couple of video blogs:

Blog 1 - Recording drums in Bristol (short clips)

Blog 2 - Starting to record the album in France (20-mins long, rambling, dubious quality footage with loads of umms and arrs)

Bad Elephant Music have a January sale on at the moment. Along with the rest of the BEM catalogue, you can download my 14-track, 80-minute long Morning Sun compilation for TWO QUID! You can also get my complete back catalogue for £8.40 if you so wish. Go to the bandcamp page HERE if you fancy a look/listen.

The record label also have a gig coming up at Boston Music Room, London N19 on Saturday February 13th. I will be performing along with label-mates Tom Slatter, Twice Bitten, and The Gift who are headlining the show. All the information can be found at the Facebook event page which is HERE I'll be opening with a 30-minute acoustic set, probably including a new song, and a song on the keyboard. Will keep you informed of any other gigs here, also.

I just want to say thanks all for your support last year. Really, really appreciate it. It was a year of incredible highs and lows for me. I will be working on my new album as and when I get time. There will be a few guests on it too (for once!) which I'm really excited about. It WILL be released this year, that's all I can say at the moment!

Cheerio for now, and a peaceful new year.

jh x

I have another London gig on Friday August 21st at The Miller, which is near London Bridge/Borough. It's FREE ENTRY (with an optional donation towards recently fire-destroyed equipment). I'll be playing songs from my back-catalogue on guitar and keyboards, plus a few songs as a three-piece. Tom Slatter is supporting. Doors @ 7pm.

There's a Facebook 'Event' thing HERE. Hope to see some of you there. x

Hey everyone. It's been a while, I know. Just thought I'd let you know what's happening.

OLD STUFF: Once again, many thanks to everyone who has bought my compilation 'Morning Sun'. And also to people who came to the album launch and the people who have written (glowing) reviews. It really means a lot. Bad Elephant Music are making my back catalogue available on Bandcamp, all with one or two bonus tracks as downloads. These will be up shortly, I'll let you know when.

NEW STUFF: Firstly, the next jh album is about 70% written, with the other 30% deliberately unwritten, as some of my best stuff has come from 'happy accidents' while making things up as I go along/spontaneous improvisation, whatever you call it. I'm aiming to record in Autumn/Winter for a release a few months in to 2016. To be honest these things always change, so it's kind of pointless talking about time-frames. This is just to let you know that the creative juices are flowing once again!

Secondly, on Saturday July 11th I will be playing a 30-minute set in support of fellow Bad Elephant artist Tom Slatter. This is the 'album launch' of his excellent new record 'Fit The Fourth'. This will be at The Chapel, St Margarets House, 21 Old Ford Road, London, E2 9PL. Tickets are FREE but very limited, so you need to book HERE.

Best,

jh x

I have been interviewed by Martin Hutchinson for his Progradar Website. Do click HERE and have a read. Thank-you Martin!

Morning Sun reviews

I'm overwhelmed by the positive reviews that the compilation Morning Sun has received. Links to some of these below.

Thanks once again to everyone who has purchased a download or CD. Hope you're enjoying the music.

Prog magazine (and Classic Rock magazine online) review by Polly Glass

Astounded By Sound review by Roger Trenwith

Power Of Metal review by Rob Pociluk

Progradar review by Martin Hutchinson

You can stream the whole album for free, and/or order the album at the jh Bandcamp page HERE. £5 for digital downloads, £10 for the Digipak CD (including the digital files).

Hope you like the revamped website. Firstly, a big thank-you to all who have pre-ordered 'Morning Sun' already (see below).

Secondly, I'll be playing a gig on Thursday 26th March to celebrate the release of the album. It's in the ballroom section of The Cavendish Arms, 128 Hartington Road, Stockwell, London SW8 2HJ. The Facebook event page is HERE.

I'll be playing a selection of my back catalogue on both guitar and keyboard, there will hopefully be some audio/visual stuff, and there'll be a Bad Elephant Music merch desk. The fantastic Kaz Simmons is supporting me. This promises to be a great evening, hope some of you can make it down. It's FREE ENTRY, and the doors are at 7pm. Apologies re the scheduling for non-Londoners.

The jh anthology ‘Morning Sun' will be released on March 16th 2015 by Bad Elephant Music.

You can pre-order the album HERE. It's available both as a CD (with 6-panel Digipak and extensive sleeve notes by jh), and in digital form.

The tracklisting is:

1. Next Time
2. I Wanna Spend My Summer With A Rich Girl
3. London Road
4. Lucy's Party
5. Wartime Spirit
6. Fort Dunlop
7. In Ascension
8. Angels
9. I'll See You Tomorrow In A Different Light
10. Making Tea Is Freedon
11. The Sky Is Breaking
12. Collapse
13. Something's Happening Here
14. The End

Hello strangers.

I'm thrilled to announce my compilation album 'Morning Sun' will be released early next year on Bad Elephant Music. See below for the press release.

Hope you're all enjoying Autumn, and I may even play a gig of some sort before the year's out!

Best,

jh x

Morning Sun – The Best of jh – to be released Q1 2015

Bad Elephant Music is excited to announce they have entered a partnership with London-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist jh. The first fruits of this alliance will be releasing Morning Sun, an anthology, out in the first quarter of 2015.

This selection of songs from jh’s three album releases, Truth & Bullshit, Wanderlust and So Much Promise – chosen by the man himself – showcases the diverse musical styles that he employs.

Never one to stand still in the fast moving, disparate musical world of today, jh’s eclectic style is an ever changing source of consummate and intelligent material, songs that will challenge you and demand that you delve deeper to get the ultimate listening experience.

jh: “I'm thrilled to be working with BEM on the release of my compilation 'Morning Sun'. These guys are as in love with music as I am, and that to me was the most important consideration. Some of the talent already signed to the label makes me feel very humble. My music is not the easiest to market, as it's so eclectic, but I hope that more people who may enjoy jh albums will get to actually hear my songs. I'm looking forward to the future!”

Bad Elephant Music CEO, David Elliott: “I've known Jon from when he released his first album in 2008, and followed his career very closely. He's an eclectic writer, and this approach means his own ethos fits very well with BEM's - a truly natural alliance! We're looking forward to getting his fantastic songs out to a wider audience, and hopefully working together on future new releases.”

Morning Sun – The Best of jh will be available directly from Bad Elephant Music -http://music.badelephant.co.uk and from other selected outlets in the first quarter of 2015 - release date to be announced soon.

Web: http://www.badelephant.co.uk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BadElephantMusic

Twitter: @elephantbad

Wartime Spirit was played on Tom Robinson's BBC 6 'Introducing...' show earlier this morning.

He described the track as 'terrific' - Thanks ever so much, Tom, really glad you like it.

Also, David Elliott recently played my Borderline Personality Disorder anthem 'I'll See You Tomorrow In A Different Light' on The European Perspective (The best in European and British progressive music) - you can hear the podcast here. (Don't be dissuaded by the Eton mess standing on the newly reconstructed Dawlish station!)

Also, I'm trying to force my luddite nature to get to grips with Twitter a little more, so if you're involved, do join me here and help spread the word.

Thanks all once again for your continuing support.

Cheers for now.

jh x

Hi all.

I have a song called 'Delay' which was written for the 'So Much Promise' sessions, but not recorded, as I deemed it too miserable for the album (*insert your punchline here!*)

Anyway, one afternoon/evening last week, I recorded a version.

It's not polished enough to be called anything other than a demo, but hopefully it'll be of some interest and/or enjoyment.

Best,

jh x

The brand new jh album 'So Much Promise' is released today.

To listen to a 5-minute sampler, and to purchase a CD (with free wav or mp3 files), or to download from itunes, everything is HERE

A big thank-you to all who pre-ordered. You'll get the files later on today and the CD's tomorrow, Royal Mail permitting.

Hope you enjoy it, and do spread the word with others who you think might.

Have a great December,

jh x

The new jh album ‘So Much Promise' will be released on December 9th 2013.

The tracklisting is:

1. On The First Day Of The Cheltenham Festival In East Kilbride
2. The Sky Is Breaking
3. Wartime Spirit
4. So Much Promise
5. Friendship Of Convenience
6. I'll See You Tomorrow In A Different Light
7. Groupie
8. The End

Amazon, itunes, and signed CD pre-order info will be available shortly.

The new jh single 'The Sky Is Breaking' is released digitally today. It comes with another brand new (completely contrasting) song called 'Barbican'. You can buy it HERE.

Here's the video by the brilliant Messiah's Sister (a.k.a. Claude Trejonis), starring the equally brilliant Daiva Vaiciulyte. If you like it, feel free to share on social networks and whatnot...

The new jh single is called "The Sky Is Breaking" and will be available digitally on October 7th. More details soon.

Hi all

This Saturday 1st June I am playing a 40-minute set on the main stage at Proud Galleries in Camden, London. (Chalk Farm Road, by the Stables Market, HERE)

Songs both new and old will be performed on guitar and keyboard.

Free entry, start time is 3.20 in the afternoon.

I'm also playing a set out on the acoustic terrace immediately afterwards at around 4.45pm.

All the best,

jh x

Seasons greetings to everyone. A massive thank-you to all have supported me in any way whatsoever during 2012. Check out the jh Xmas message HERE

Hope you all have a great Christmas, and an even better 2013. jh xxx

Better late than never... Here's the promo video for 'Lucy's Party'!! If you like it, then post it wherever you like, and spread the word. If you've not bought the single yet, you can buy it HERE.

There's also quite a bit of other stuff on my youtube channel now. Cheers! jh x

'Lucy's Party' is released today as a digital single (iTunes or Amazon MP3). You can buy it HERE

There have been some technical difficulties with the promo video, but it should be on this page sometime tomorrow (Tuesday), fingers crossed: I'm sure I'll put something out on email and Facebook about it, when it's up.

Don't forget, there is no new material associated this release, (the extra track is a radio-edit of 'Rich Girl'), so if you already have the albums, then it's pointless buying it (no pun intended!)

However, if you are new to my music, and would prefer the song on a physical CD along with 7 other tracks, for a bargain £3, then check out the new jh compilation, also HERE

29 October 2012

'Lucy's Party', the second and final single from the 'Wanderlust' album will be released digitally on Monday November 12th.

An accompanying video has been shot, which will be available here from the same date.

The single is 'backed' with a Radio Edit of 'I Wanna Spend My Summer With A Rich Girl', so I must stress that there is NO new material being released.

In conjunction with this, I have produced a compilation of tracks titled '8 Songs. 45 Minutes.' which features 'Lucy's Party', so new listeners who want a physical CD can get an introduction to the world of my music. The tracklisting is as follows:

1. I Wanna Spend My Summer With A Rich Girl

2. Next Time

3. London Road

4. Lucy's Party

5. Collapse

6. Something's Happening Here

7. At The End Of The London Road

8. Making Tea Is Freedom

This comes with very basic packaging and is available at the bargain price of £3 including postage.

You can order the CD from the music page HERE.

Press and radio programmers can request a FREE radio-friendly copy by emailing: jhmusicuk@gmail.com

Don't forget to check back here on Monday 12th November for the video!

Ta-da for now!

jh xx

11 October 2012

'Next Time' was played by Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music a couple of weekends ago. He even favourited the tune from his personal Soundcloud.

I'm dead chuffed with support like that - Thankyou Tom, and also the readers of his Blog who voted the song into their top ten weekly favourites. Welcome to anyone who has discovered my music and this site this way.

I have a few things in the pipeline, which I will announce when I've finished them (!)

I'm playing another 45-minute set at Camden Proud Galleries (by the Stables Market) this Saturday 13th October. It's at 4.15 pm, and it's FREE. I'll be playing by the Bar on the outside terrace.

Cheers for now,

jh xx

22 August 2012

I'm playing a 45-minute set at Camden Proud Galleries (by the Stables Market) this Bank Holiday Monday 27th August. It's at 2.15 pm, and it's FREE. I'll be playing by the Bar on the outside terrace.

I played a very short notice 19-song 90 minute set there last week which was a blast. If anyone's about in London, then it'd be great to see you.

Cheers for now,

jh xxx

15 July 2012

Hi folks. A little update to let you know what I’ve been up to.

Firstly, thankyou to everyone who bought CD’s or downloads of 'Wanderlust', I’m very happy with the response, and also for all the feedback I’ve recieved.

A video has been shot for ‘Lucy’s Party’, this is going to be released as a single download. Obviously it’s pointless to download it if you already have the album - it’s to potentially reach a wider audience. The video is currently in post-production. When it’s finally ready I’ll announce it here.

Apart from that I’m currently writing new music, playing keyboards in Slim’s band (check the link for his album launch where we play his whole record live on August 8th), and I recently played two unannounced gigs at Camden Proud Galleries - I am playing another 45-minute set there on Saturday 11th August just after 2pm. I'm out on the acoustic terrace next to the bar, there are artists and bands throughout the day, you can sit outside and eat and of course it's in the thick of the famous stables market area. It's also FREE. You never know, the sun might even come out...

Finally, I’m delighted to be supporting the 70’s rock band ‘The Tubes’ at their Leicester Square Theatre shows on Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd July. The Monday has sold out, there are still a few tickets left here for Sunday. I’ll probably not be performing any of my more ‘progressive’ works at this show ;-) …but I will be playing a new song!

Ta-da for now

jh xxx

Hi all

The new jh album 'Wanderlust' is finally released today.

It's almost 1 hour and 20 minutes of eclectic music, featuring among other things, catchy, melodic guitar pop; wistful piano ballads; psychedelic guitar noise; slick pop; bombastic prog; fragile acoustic passages and uncategorizable instrumentals running above industrial, yet funky drum loops.

Physical copies are available to order HERE.

A link to itunes is HERE.

A 12-minute Wanderlust sampler is available to play HERE (you can also download it for free if you like)

I have a London show to celebrate the new album at the Leicester Square Theatre (map) this coming Thursday 8th December.

Doors are at 9.45pm. At 10pm I will play a selection of new songs including a suite from the new epic 'London Road', on both guitar and keyboard.

After a break, I will play a 3-piece band set of older numbers with Claude Trejonis (The Voxx, and principle drummer on both my albums) on drums, and Andy 'Slim' Black (Slim, Drive South West) on bass.

Copies of the CD's will be available to buy and three audience members will get a FREE copy of Wanderlust (by raffle!)

It's going to be a great evening, if you can make it, please do, you won't be disappointed. £5 on the door, or tickets HERE.

Finally, thankyou everyone for all their patience and support over the last 18 months. I truly appreciate it.

jh xx

25 October 2011

I’m proud to announce the jh Wanderlust album launch.

It takes place on Thursday 8th December in The Lounge @ Leicester Square Theatre.

Doors will be at 9.45 pm. At 10pm prompt I will play a couple of acoustic songs, then launch into a series of songs on keyboard and guitar from the new suite ‘London Road’.

After an interval I’ll return to the stage and play some 'oldies' as a 3-piece electric band, featuring drums and bass.

Every attendee gets a free raffle ticket - prizes include a fully illustrated photo/lyric book for the album ‘Truth & Bullshit’, and CD's including the new album.

‘Wanderlust’ and other jh CDs will be available for sale on the night. There will be time for drinks, and a natter after the performance, while a compilation of some of my favourite songs (and some other tracks from ‘Wanderlust’) will be played over the P.A.

It would be great if you could join me for a special evening.

Tickets are £5, and available from HERE or buy on the door.

Wanderlust is to be released on Monday December 5th on CD and mp3 formats.

Thank you once again for your patience and support.

jh x

A couple of free jh gigs coming up in London:

Saturday 17th September: Jagz 20th Birthday Party. A great venue right outside Ascot train station. Will be playing outside if sunny, otherwise indoors. I'm on at 2.15pm.

Wednesday 28th September: Club Fabulous at Mother Live (333 Old Street, formerly Hoxton Cell). Supporting an eclectic range of bands. Doors at 7.45pm and I'll be on quite swiftly I presume...

Thanks to everyone who bought my single 'Next Time', and also for the feedback on the new website.

I'm currently attempting to mix the last three parts of 'London Road', which total about 17 mins and have 44 different things going on (not all at one time, but even so!). There are actually some 3-minute songs on the album too!!

Check out the new no-budget video for Next Time! Other clips are up on youtube for you to have a listen to. Also, the 'jh' album 'A Gentle Wind' available on Amazon is NOTHING to do with me!! Cheers! jh x