My personal profile: www.facebook.com/jonoaudio
"One of the finest singer/songwriters to emerge in recent years" – Jim Gellatly, John Peel Award Winning DJ
Scottish singer/songwriter Jono started recording his songs aged 13 when his dad got a 4-track cassette recorder. His father had been in rock-n-roll bands and mother in theatre. Fast forward to his 20’s. Jono has recorded his own material, gigged in bands and is producing for local, signed and charting artists.
"Hauntingly beautiful acoustic sounds; the prodigious talent of singer/songwriter Jono" – Russell Kane, Q Radio
He was due to inherit the family business; a manufacturing company where he worked as a graphic designer. But Jono walked away from security putting everything he owned on the line to produce his own debut solo album.
"A new singing sensation... like James Morrison, but with an indie edge" – Matt Bendoris, The Sun
Following the release of his first single “Silver Nails” Jono was voted artist of the week on XFM’s Music:Response show, featured in the Scottish Sun, and in his first interview as a solo artist on BBC Radio WM Drivetime.
"Fantastic! Great! Totally fresh, original music... I love it!" – Paul Franks, BBC Radio WM
Rounded yet rugged, refined yet raw, Jono launched his album “Sentimental Anarchist”, built around his infectious voice, lyrics, melodies and acoustic guitar style, to critical acclaim. Every song and lyric written, every voice sung, instrument played by, every sound produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jono in his Glasgow flat.
"The album was blinding; one of the best albums I heard in ages" – Carol Cunningham, Music News Scotland
Jim Gellatly made “Sentimental Anarchist” album, and “Stuck in the City” single of the week on his show. The guerrilla-approach video for “Stuck in the City” reached no.83 most watched UK music video on YouTube.
"I like Jono's song 'Stuck in the City' a lot! It's REALLY catchy!" – Alex Zane, TV and Radio Presenter
With a full band for the album launch, Jono packed out the 450 capacity Classic Grand, then embarked on a UK acoustic tour in his estate vehicle (come bed). BBC and local radio stations got behind him; every day Jono would be on the air for interviews/sessions prior to his evening gig.
"Jono holds his own in the company of Jack Johnson and Newton Faulkner" – David Esson, The Sunday Express
Features in local and national press also included The Daily Record, The Evening Times, The Metro, and radio stations such as Q Radio (Russell Kane), BBC6 Music (Tom Robinson), BBC Radio Scotland (Jim Gellatly), BBC Radio Wales (Alan Thompson), Myspace Radio (Alex Zane), XFM (Martin Bate)...
"Acoustic music never really sounded as good as this" – Jim Gellatly, John Peel Award Winning DJ
Jono has been compared to John Mayer, Kelly Jones (Stereophonics) and Jeff Buckley too, but the eclectic influences which helped shape his style include The Police, Bob Marley, Guns n Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Underworld, Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx.
"The rasp in Jono's voice gives Paolo Nutini a run for his money" – Alan Morrison, The Sunday Herald
Jono was creating a bit of a buzz. Mark Richards of RSW Concerts was blown away by Jono in London and funded the next tour. So off Jono went again in his estate vehicle, with two more of RSW’s favourite solo artists.
"Jono is one of the best solo acts we have put on in our 20 years of promotion" – Mark Richards, RSW Concerts
On a skiing break at the beginning of 2009 Jono suffered a violent fall, coming inches from death, and smashing up his left shoulder. He flew home for an operation with no guarantee of being able to play guitar again. Jono had already been invited to the Red Stripe Awards so he sang in a sling, using a laptop with his guitar parts on it.
"With one of his wings seriously clipped, Jono managed to pull off a mesmerizing set" – Clare Dixon, Red Stripe
Jono is now singing, playing guitar, gigging and touring again with a vigour like he has never known, jubilant that he is still alive and able to make music. With this renewed energy Jono’s solo performances leave new audiences stunned and in awe, while familiar crowds in his hometown of Glasgow scream out lyrics. He is currently organising tours for 2010, while writing and performing new songs that will be on the next album.
"Jono's live performance smacked me right between the eyes and ears!" – Jim Symon, Radio Clyde2
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