PONY EXPRESS............. Herts

A terrific start, We had the best country band that I have heard for years and that C'est la Vie. I knew Jon many years back, a man with a wonderful voice plus keys and accordion, coupled with Lee, Tony and Derek – great muso's, guitars, drums, pedal steel. What a wonderful sound! It's a shame Jon did not know me from back then, so I could have had a chat as club reporter and artiste's booker – alas. So straight in with Dwight's hit, 'Turn it off, Turn it up, Turn me loose', (The Turnip Song). We had some super mixing and harmonies and songs a little different tonight. Many Hag's, six I think, all played brilliantly, Jon on Accordion, 'Streets of Bakersfield', sounded not unlike Jo-El Sonnier, very Cajun. Not forgetting the guys on various instruments – great intro's more like and orchestra than a band. 'Rose in Paradise', Sliver Fox', 'Behind Closed Doors', 'Big, Big Love' and many more and finished off with Jamming 'Route 66' and C'est La Vie'. The best night for years, thanks Jon, Lee, Tony and Derek for this Country recital – super!

 

SILVER CHURN......  Devon

A full house tonight for the band we had been waiting to see all year and they certainly lived up to their expectations, gCest La Vieh, gave us a brilliant night of exciting, pure Country Music, everyone was shouting for more at the end of a great night, even though they must have been exhausted from dancing the night away. Some well chosen material, old standards and exciting lesser played numbers, in a fast moving program, as Jon J Paul, on lead vocals, slipped from keyboards to accordion, Derek Thurlby, excellent on lead guitar and steel. Tony Hornsby, a great bass player and Lee Guyler excellent on drums and helping to front the band. All three on harmonies, a band who really enjoy themselves, you can see why they are touring with Gene Watson and Mo Bandy. Music from Country greats Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, as well as Van Morrison, Dwight Yoakham, The Mavericks, The Bellamy's and The Eagles with a great song from the pen of Jon himself, 'Real Love'. A great evening they must return.

 

THE MOE BANDY SHOW

A show that once you booked your tickets you couldn't wait for the night of the show to arrive and tonight was the night. A full theatre sat waiting for the show to start and compare Brian Mann brought on stage Ces't La Vie to get the show under way and boy did they do that, this band has everything four superb musicians in Jon, Derek, Tony and of course Lee. 'Gentle On My Mind' and a bit of Willie 'It Always Will Be' then 'Of San Antone' one from their CD 'Rose Of Paradise' and the up-tempo number 'Route 66' were all included but for me the number that stood out was a superb version of the old Charlie Rich number 'Behind Closed Doors' superb start to the show.

Next Brian brought the very popular local singer Julie Dawn on stage and backed by Ces't La Vie and she sang numbers like 'Walking After Midnight', 'Talking In Her Sleep', 'There Goes MY Heart', and a great version of 'Lonestar State Of Mind', Compare asked Julie to do one more before she left the stage and this was 'He Thinks He'll Keep Her' having to follow Ces't La Vie on stage must be hard for anyone to do, but Julie in her own bubbly, bouncy way did this as only Julie can do.

Time had come for Brian to bring on stage the one and only Moe Bandy, 'Hey Joe', 'Someday Soon', Hank Williams, You Wrote My Life', 'She's Not Really Cheating', 'haven't Heard The Last Of Me Yet, 'Here I Am Drunk Again', and the list goes on and on, Moe told little stories in between the songs he sang and they were great, he also did some impersonations Johnny Cash was there with 'Ring Of Fire' and Mary Robbins dropped in to sing 'Devil Woman' and The Freddie Fender did 'Before The Next Teardrop Falls' and of course George Jones did turn up to sing 'He Stopped Loving Her Today' this was brilliant. One number Moe had to do was 'Bandy the Rodeo Clown' and a couple that stood out for me were 'Its A Cheating Situation' the one that made the hairs on my neck stand up was brilliant version of 'Till Im Too Old To Die Young' Moe closed with 'Americana'. Everyone in the theatre gave Moe a standing ovation and he was asked to do one more which turned into two as he started with 'Barstool Mountain' and closed a spot that lasted one and half hours with 'Cowboys Ain't Suppose To Cry'. For the second time this year I heard another American Legend sing the praises of the band that's backed him, Ces't La Vie must be the top band on the country music scene at the moment, my own opinion and I don't think I am the only one that thinks that.

Phil Wood

 

 

Gene Watson Website …2nd May 2011

 

Hi Friends-   I’m back in Texas now but wanted to tell all my new friends in England and Scotland how much I enjoyed my visit. I owe a huge thank you to the excellent band,

C’EST LA VIE, that backed me up every night of the tour.  It was as easy as working with my own great Farewell Party band.  C’est La Vie knew all my songs backwards and forwards before I stepped off the plane and they sure know how to play good music.  Also want to thank promoter, Nicky James, who’s just one of the greatest people in the world. He really went above and beyond taking care of me.  The man drove me 500 miles from England to Scotland to be sure I got to the Caithness Country Music festival on time!  That’s beyond nice…..

 

Déjà Vu……………. Up Country Magazine May 2011

In a former musical life, C'est La Vie were the Jon J Paul Band but they left the music scene because of their disenchantment with the way things were going. Their reincarnation is based on a determination to play top quality Country music although, as the album title suggests, they feel it is not the first time they have been here. Déjà Vu is a collection of outstanding tracks from a range of genres which have been given the band's own stamp. Whether it is the Jace Everett track, Bad Things made famous by the tv vampire series or the Chuck Berry rocker, C'est La Vie, lead singer Jon J Paul delivers some excellent versions of these songs with vocals that remind me of Don Williams at his best. The band demonstrates its versatility by offering outstanding versions of the traditional Irish song, Cmmmm marrickfergus, Van Morrison's Precious Time and the Cajun classic, Tear-Stained Letter. The production by Tony Davis and the band demonstrates that British studios can produce quality sounds that do not have to rely on computers. They play superbly throughout and they have some clever arrangements which suggest they can offer high musicianship whatever style they play. This is a smashing collection and shows that there are British bands that can play at the same level as those from across the Atlantic. I would recommend this to all fans of quality music.

 

 

Déjà Vu……………. Cross Country Magazine April 2011

 

Ces’t La Vie’s rapid onslaught into Country Music’s ‘Elite’ Bracket is no surprise when you consider the history and pedigree of the musicians in this ace super group…formed back in 1993 as the Jon J Paul Band they enjoyed premier league success and major awards before parting in 1999 to work in other genres. Back again with bigger ambition and a quality management team they re-grouped last year and became instant favourites with all who enjoy true Country Music…re-carving their brand into the many festivals and venues has been “great fun” commented Lee Guyler head of Evil Genius Management. Lee further commented “When the boys began discussing the reformation of a Country Band it was felt at that time the need to re-inject a style that would bring Country Music fans back to the purity and basics of musicians playing live Country Music. There is room for everyone in our industry but we felt for many years that the digital age had engulfed the scene giving rise to many changes in musical delivery thus leading us away from true musical performance for the sake of tracks and an ‘instant artist’ We all know that anything instant serves a purpose but never replaces the taste of quality and is only really a substitute for the real thing”

 

Hopefully Ces’t La Vie have already proved to many they are the genuine article and are set to lead the British scene forward a little further. Many have noted their musical ability and their skills as a backing band and support artists, this will be tested in the coming weeks as they embark on a UK tour with US Country Star Gene Watson. This is no mean feat with a set list of some 20 tracks to master without rehearsal with Gene until the afternoon sound check of the first show. Lee comments “It is imperative we have both capability and discipline to be performance perfect on that first day”…The band will also back supporting artist Lisa McHugh who will add another 8 tracks to the ‘list to learn’. The rehearsal process is “hard work but gratifying” commented Derek Thurlby who is the band’s lead and steel guitar virtuoso as well as a master on Dobro and mandolin…Derek is no stranger to Gene being his steel player/guitarist in 1979 on his UK tour. “Remembering the songs from back then is quite strange because they never leave you but they need a good polish to get them back to standard…Jon J also has much to ‘cram in’ with Gene’s songs being heavily laced with piano and strings, there will be much candle burning before day one. Bass ace Tony Hornsby reflects on how the band are flying the flag for British Country Music...”These shows will allow the band to prove that British musicians and artists are capable and deserve the opportunity to push musical boundary’s within our chosen genre. Lee commented “We are keen to work hard to ensure we are chosen again and again, we need to impress those who will return to the States with tales of British musical excellence for others who may ponder the possibilities to tour in Europe. Both our musical and managerial capabilities will give the Americans an easier way to visit our shores and tour. Fingers crossed and look out for future dates and artists who are currently discussing such possibilities”.

 

 The band have also been asked to play the opening spot at this years British Country Music Awards…and have also secured the musical duty as house band for the evening which will once again show the talents and capabilities within the band backing other British artists.

 

The tour along with others have been squeezed between the bands crazy gigging schedule… despite only been semi pro the guys have over 100 shows this year with a gig list on their web site that goes on for miles…Make sure you get along and support the boys and the venues as much as possible.

 

We have a copy of their new CD… and it’s a superb collection of great songs so pick up a copy!!

 

Also check out the fantastic website at www.cestlavieband.com  read all about the band and follow the pages full of info and pictures.

We all wish the boys massive success in their musical endeavours…Good Luck Ces’t La Vie…keep flying our flag

 

 

C’EST LA VIE “Déjà Vu” (Evil Genius EGM001)

Cest la vie

Anyone who’s been around on the British country music scene for any length of time will be familiar with Jon J Paul, Tony Hornsby, Derek Thurlby and Lee Guyler or, at least, with their collective name - the Jon J Paul Band.

 

However, like many of us, in recent years they became disenchanted with the way country music was going and decided to take a break.

 

Suitably refreshed, they’ve now re-emerged as C’est La Vie and, although you’d never expect it with the name like that, they’ve produced a superb album of “real country music”, as opposed to the tuneless twaddle most record companies are currently trying to foist upon us.

 

They’ve turned to some of the best writers in the business and come up with a neat mix of new material alongside reliable standards from the likes of Willie Nelson, Jace Everett, Richard Thompson, Raul Malo, Al Anderson, Kostas, Wayland Patton, Lefty Frizzell, Johnny Cash and Chuck Berry.

 

A top-rate album from four top-rate musicians who’ve certainly paid their dues.

 

Jim Marshall Online Country News @ 2011

 

 

The Great North Festival – 2010

 

Day 5 of this superb festival and strange things are afoot as I enter the impressive marquee. Normally the afternoons see only a handful of the huge crowd venturing from their many caravans and tents to join the early day line up of artists, but as I entered, most of the front section of the tent was getting full and by the time the tones of compare Johnny Ringo’s voice rang to the four corners of the marquee introducing this band, both centre and rear areas had begun to gather small crowds…..

 

C’est La Vie are fresh back on the scene and having been in this line up for less than a year this is the first time round on the festival circuit for the boys and they are making a big impact….those who remember them as the Jon J Paul Band will know well the calibre of musician is the best on the British circuit and not just the front line. Drummer Lee Guyler and bass ace Tony  Hornsby are in a league of their own when it comes to accurate and tight rhythm section disciplines. Make no mistake they need to be on their toes for Jon J and Derek Thurlby who take no prisoners and weave their respective instruments with ease through carefully chosen songs. How many bands can boost such world standard prowess on instruments such as Accordion, Pedal Steel and full size Piano as well as the normal band array of Guitars Bass and Drums, add to that major league vocals and you will never surpass this combination of talents.

 

The first thing that stands out is the rich impressive individual voice of Jon J Paul. Jon sings classic songs but in his own way, never really out to copy or emulate any artist, he sings as a tribute to the writer which allows the song to become Jons and that in itself make the band almost unique on the circuit with most artists being merely a tribute to other Americans with a constant pre occupation with emulation rather than individuality.

 

Song smiths chosen by the band include Richard Thompson, Joe-el sonnier, Jace Everett, Kerien Kane, Doug Supernaw plus the Waylon/ Willie/ Haggard stable. The avoidance of the Nashville Trashmill allows the band to develop from these clever writers and deliver a much enjoyable show. No CD’s on sale but the band informed the attentive audience that they were to enter a studio shortly to build a road album of favourite stage tracks. Plenty to choose from and I noted some 15 songs crammed into their set. No time for small talk which is mostly lost in a marquee of such size the band launched song after song. To choose from the pack and proffering a list of highs I would note Thompson’s Tear Stained Letter, Everett’s Bad Things, and Supernaw’s Perfect Picture. Tongue in check Jon J announced their encore as written for the band by good friend Chuck Berry, and as their name sake song rocked the crowd it was plain to see that once again this band had conquered proving quality and quantity can be served in equal measure to much delight of all who sampled.

 

Nominated for band of the year without having yet been back on the circuit for that time shows both strength in ability and also the foresight of those who nominated this stealth outfit. Perhaps too early to win such award this year I fear it won’t belong before this band move to higher ground and become a jewel in the crown of our genre.

 

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The Stetson Music Club

Ravenshead Nottingham 2010

 

In the wake of such artists as Andy Fairweather Low, Albert lee and Chris Jagger. C’est La Vie arrived at Ravensheads now legendary Village Hall with a welcome only reserved for music’s elite and then only shared sparingly amongst the crowds that relish the opportunity to visit this venue each month and sample further flavours served up from the Stetson  team…

Geoff Shead has the controlling hand over all artists that appear and is quick to capture the markets finest exponents carefully choosing to suit both venue and demanding crowds alike…tonight was no exception and on arrival I noted the stage full of industry standard instruments, subtly lit in anticipation of great things to come. Blizzard conditions had put the night in doubt but the band battled through to be early and so did the crowd. Not crammed but full enough to muster a great atmosphere…

On stage at 8.15pm the boys began an evening swamped with the many flavours of all that is Country. Being multi instrumentalists makes changing musical mood quite easy, from the soft shades of a piano to the ruckus of accordion played at its finest, Jon J Paul struts his way effortless through, his rich dark voice described by some as “musical chocolate” gliding through the 12 numbers in the first spot…. his vocal delivery holds such passion and makes you feel such a part of the song, something rarely found in today’s mainstream singers. Lee Guyler and Tony Hornsby layer Jon’s voice with great harmony’s and really know when to turn the power up or just blend behind the depth of Jons range…

true I am a fan but I never fail to notice the care taken by the band in their delivery of all their songs…tight would be an understatement, you couldn’t get a credit card through the rhythm section (nor out of them I imagine!) as they hold the sound with a grip that never lets go until the last note…Derek Thurlby is for me the most consummate pedal steel and guitar player who winds his instruments around each song and colours the melody with such ease.. In fact it’s hard to know who to watch when the band are on stage as each member works as part of a team to produce great music…

As if the night couldn’t reach another high, from within the audience Gary Perkins was introduced and joined the lads on stage for an impromptu song. His gig cancelled Gary had made his way to watch the show and gave us 4 songs in all, this was a bonus for all and each song was met with total appreciation. We were than informed that Gary would be doing several special shows during the year with the boys and at every opportunity he would visit a show and sing, claiming these songs were to be treated as a rehearsal. If that’s the rehearsal we can only hold our breath for the real shows that plans to be a huge success. Gary along with the crowd stayed to the very last note and gave thanks with cheers for more.

Another night of great music and a success for both venue and band as well. Its early days still for C’est La Vie but as most will predict a very pleasant future awaits the boys, their talent and hard work will be rewarded each night on stage….and enjoyed by all who share that experience.

 

John Brunton...Nottingham Evening Post @2010


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Finding success in any venue is hard and that continues to be the plight of many clubs up and down the country…many Country Music nights have closed leaving enthusiastic organisers  broke through propping up a losing venue with their savings and any spare cash mustered from jumble sales car boots and Raffles.

Running for some 12 years now Edlington British Legion in Doncaster has seen its share of up’s and down’s but has continued to provide first class Country Music each Friday for those faithful members and regulars as well as the visiting crowds who follow particular artists or shows…The management teams periodical re assessing the viability of this investment in entertainment…lately there had been talk of closure at the club for such nights but that has been quashed by the organisers who have vowed to continue throughout the next year at least The venue is part of a struggling but extremely vibrant Country scene in Doncaster with wall to wall music most nights of the week in a plethora of clubs scattered within a 15 mile radius. Such luxury affords this area but at a price, with unemployment high and continued increase in travel costs the entrance fees for shows must always be kept low in order to entice those in from their comfy settees. This leaving the clubs struggling to pay quality artists to travel to the venues.
 

Friday 19th Feb and Edlington is buzzing and full by 7.45pm...local boys C’est La Vie are to play and rumour has it that Gary Perkins will guest as well …anticipation has brought the crowds in with regulars arriving at 8pm to find there normal seats taken by those who chose to visit from other areas... Having booked C’est La Vie over the years as the Jon J Paul Band I knew that their return to the scene would cause a stir and true to form the lads did not disappoint. The band is built on delivering high quality country music played by very talented musicians…

I counted over 8 instruments on stage and with four part harmony you can’t fail but enjoy every moment of their time on stage. The 3 long spots were crammed with highs and lows, light and shade, fast and slow but all top draw Country that enthralled the crowd throughout the night. Rumours were correct and Jon invited Gary Perkins onto the stage during the second spot to join the lads in a few numbers…Gary minus hat and stage clothes picked up Jon’s guitar, borrowed his mic and delivered with ease a mix of classic and self penned songs backed superbly by the band who made Garys sound akin to a Nashville hot band.

Gary’s voice in top form and along with his ability to sell every word in the song left the room in rapturous applause and hollows for more. Gary returned in the third spot and once again whipped the crowd up. With many reporters’ local musicians and radio presenters in the audience this was a rare chance to capture a perfect night’s entertainment and one that should have sealed the continued success at the venue. Speaking to Gary during the interval he mentioned working with the band whenever possible and added how much he loved the different sound and style from the band. Others also commented on this and added there positive thoughts to the possibility of further shows of this quality. Needless to say they have been booked again twice this year and the club will look forward to another packed house and a great night of true country….
Cest La Vie Style!

 

Bob White  Doncaster Free Press