2005 ACL Fest Home > Reports from the ACL Festival > Archives > 2005 > September > 24 > Entry
Seeing New Orleans with the Jones Family Singers
Alice Spoonts closed her eyes Saturday minutes before noon and saw New Orleans. “We’ve been going to Jazz Fest for 15 years, and, I’ll tell ya, we’ve never seen a group in the gospel tent there better than this one,” she said. Yes, the Jones Family Singers, from Bay City, were that good, with lead singer Alexis Jones Roberts matching the Staple sisters, the wail of Mavis and the growl of Cleotha, in intensity.
They were five women of various age and hairstyles, in lime green T-shirts and jean skirts, whipping up a smallish audience of maybe 50 (though it grew as the set went on) like they were playing a jampacked Baptist Church on a Sunday morning.
“Now you’ve all heard about that Hurricane Rita, bearing down on Texas, but we’re all here, safe and happy,” said Roberts, a master of call-and-response, slowing down a Holy Ghost stomper. “Now how many people think Jesus worked it out?” Hands shot up.
The hour flew by, with 12-year-old drummer Ian Wade never dropping the beat and the Rev. Fred Jones coming out for some Julius Cheeks-styled exalting to give Roberts a break. Guitarist Fred Jones Jr. did an impossibly high falsetto lead on one number and Velma Davis took the lead on Motown-like “Going Over Yonder” to put a little break, a little more melody in the hard gospel fire. But the group was at its best on “Rock and Roll With Jesus,” when little pockets of fervor broke out and the lime-topped five swayed and rolled their arms and pointed in approval to fans who had cut lose from inhibitions.
Amid the day’s sweat, you can be sure a few tears welled up. It just didn’t seem possible that music could be more passionate, more joyful, more of a reason to come out on a hot and windy morning.
Comments
By Allen Jones
September 25, 2005 03:32 PM | Link to this
I was at the ACL Festival in Austin and saw The Jones Family in action and trust me when I say that they made me forget I was running from a storm… That family was awesome and I applaud the city of Austin for including them… I have something to take back with me that will last for a while… THANK YOU AUSTIN.
By JOHN BANKS
September 26, 2005 06:11 AM | Link to this
Hello I was wondering why didn’t anyone put the Gospel Stars in the paper they are the best Quartet in Austin and they are the ones who rock on Friday at the Gospel Tent you know this always amazes me that you guys never give this group any kind of spotlight,but you know God is going to give them everything they need. It just breaks my heart to see you all do one of Austin top Quartet groups like this.
By Stanley Alexander, Jr.
September 26, 2005 08:34 AM | Link to this
The Jones Family Singers are a dynamic group to say the least. The are a blessed family of Gospel singers who allow the Spirit of the Lord to flow through them and their music. YOU WILL be touched by their awesome music ministry. Austin, you were blessed to have them and I know for a fact, all who heard them were blessed as well! Congrats Jones Family!
By Dr.Fred Jones
September 26, 2005 04:13 PM | Link to this
To Micheal Corcoran The Jones Family Singers want to thank you for such a professional & powerful article on our ministry. We thank you indeed and want you to know that you are in our prayers as well….Keep up the great work you are doing. The Jones Family Singers http://thejonesfamilysingers.org
By Zelma Freeman
September 26, 2005 04:18 PM | Link to this
Generally I don’t write on this kind of thing but I must say that I enjoyed the family of gospel singers under the big tent on saturday morning. They were awesome. I cried, laughed, and danced as they moved so swiftly across that stage. I’d like to see them again…From Corrigan,Tx. we send out a shout to The Jones Family. Zelma
By Miss CJ
September 26, 2005 07:27 PM | Link to this
Hey, am I glad to hear from you guys. Austin only found out what I already knew. You are an awasome family. That is why GOD sent you to me and me to you. We love you dearly and pray for you daily. Call me up andlet me hear your voices. Love Miss CJ
By R. Franklin-Hebert
September 27, 2005 02:24 AM | Link to this
What an annointed group of family those Jones Family Singers are. Evacuating to Austin was stressful in itself. But the music ministry of the Jones Family Singers brought a song to my heart, praise to my mouth,and a dance in my feet. I felt so overjoyed as I watched them go forth in what was ministry- not a performance. Please make them a part of the 2006 lineup. I eagerly await their next engagement in the Austin area.
By Lerome Dixon
September 28, 2005 02:07 PM | Link to this
The raven reviews are out about this anointed group called the Jones Family Singers out of Bay City, TX. Our state and our nation has yet to discover the maximum potential this family group can bring to solve our hurts and our ills. I am reminded of a simple passage of bible scripture, “not by power, nor by might, but by my spirit says the Lord”. If you could be sensitized, or even mesmerized by the singing art-form of this group as the Spirit of God flows and permiate from their beings, there will be no doubt in all of minds that God could use you as well. If God uses you, what a better place the world around you would be. It is the simple things this family has mastered to break throw complicated matters, what about you?
By ray bess,jr.
September 28, 2005 07:43 PM | Link to this
I’m so glad I came to the festival, it was refreshing to my soul. The Jones Singers were a serious blessing, but of course I followed them to the festival, they are among my favorites. See you all next year when they return. Ray
By Carl Stewart
September 28, 2005 09:40 PM | Link to this
The Jones Family is one of best GOSPEL GROUPS in this business. They appeared in Houston a couple of weeks ago and they were spirit filled and is the best high energy groups in the gospel music business. If you don’t know Jesus you will want to know him after hearing the Jones Family minister. God bless you Carl Stewart of ENDURANCE
By Anthony Deloach
September 29, 2005 07:43 PM | Link to this
I stay informed about the Austin City Music Festival and was glad to see the Jones Family on your royster this year. They came to Cleveland, Ackron & Columbus,ohio this year and was breath-taking. I’m coming to Austin next year to be apart of this event. Anthony Deloach The Singing Angels of Mansfield,Ohio