Guy Kelton Jones: Fronting The James Brown Experience in York, Harrogate and Bradford
THE James Brown Family Foundation is teaming up with The James Brown Experience for a 12-date autumn tour that will visit York Barbican on October 1, Royal Hall, Harrogate, on October 3 and St George’s Hall, Bradford, on October 9.
Promoted by Cuffe & Taylor, this immersive concert experience “goes beyond imitation” to bring to life the songs, dance grooves and back story of the Godfather of Soul, James Brown. Tickets are on sale at CuffeandTaylor.com; yorkbarbican.co.uk/whats-on/the-james-brown-experience/; harrogatetheatre.co.uk or 01423 502116 and bradford-theatres.co.uk.
Founded for charitable and educational purposes in April 2007 by Brown’s daughter, Dr Deanna Brown-Thomas, the James Brown Family Foundation seeks to build on her father’s legacy of charitable giving in many communities around the United States and to see the world as Brown did, bringing hope to those who are less fortunate.
The foundation says: “This production not only honours James Brown’s extraordinary musical legacy, but it also reflects his creativity, hard work and passion. We are thrilled to see this show bring his legacy and sound to new audiences.
“Our commission is to expand James Brown’s vision, touching those here at home and around the world to assist underprivileged children and impoverished families through our initiatives and projects.”
The James Brown Experience celebrates Brown’s impact on music, culture and civil rights, capturing his electrifying energy, soul-power voice and dynamic moves in a night of high-octane dance numbers, heart-wrenching ballads and timeless soul and funk classics.
As well as revelling in such hits as I Feel Good, It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World, Get Up Offa That Thing, Sex Machine and Papa’s Got A Brand New Bag, the show also explores the life and soul of the South Carolina-born singer, songwriter, dancer, musician and record producer in his own words.
The James Brown Experience features The New Soul Generals, a nine-piece funk orchestra whose musicians have toured with Jamiroquai, Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and Martha Reeves.
Out front will be Guy Kelton Jones, tasked with matching the standards of “the Hardest Working Man in showbusiness” in his rasping vocals and itchy-footed moves. Like Brown, he was raised in Georgia.