Oysterband’s John Jones, Ray Cooper & Al Scott
JOHN JONES is best known as the powerful and charismatic singer of the OYSTERBAND – a band that has been one of the formative greats of the folk and roots scene since the 1980s. Originally founded as The Whitstable Oyster Company Ceilidh Band, the group initially developed into one of the most successful Ceilidh bands in the UK. Later, under the name OYSTERBAND, it became one of the leading folk rock bands of the genre. The band released more than 20 albums and played at the most important festivals in Great Britain, Europe and Canada. They worked with some of Britain’s most renowned folk artists, including singer June Tabor, with whom they played acclaimed tours and recorded two award-winning albums.
Parallel to his work with the OYSTERBAND, JOHN JONES also pursued his own musical projects. In 2009 his first solo album “Rising Road” was released. At the same time, he began to walk between his concerts together with musicians and fans to the next performance venues – in a group he called The Reluctant Ramblers. Within ten years, the Reluctant Ramblers covered more than 1,000 miles between concerts. In 2015, JOHN JONES released his second solo album “Never Stop Moving”.
After the OYSTERBAND has said goodbye to its loyal fans in Great Britain and Europe with its extremely successful and mostly sold-out farewell tour The Long Goodbye, a new chapter for JOHN JONES is now beginning. He is supported by two long-time friends and musical companions: RAY “CHOPPER” COOPER and AL SCOTT.
RAY “CHOOPER” COOPER joined the OYSTERBAND in 1990 and shaped the band sound in addition to his bass playing and background vocals mainly by the use of the cello. In 2013 he left the band to pursue his own projects. AL SCOTT has been associated with OYSTERBAND for over 30 years – initially as a producer and occasional substitute guitarist, before becoming a permanent member of the band in 2013. Together, the three musicians play a variety of instruments and present songs and instrumental pieces from their respective repertoires, supplemented by new songs and well-known hits.
