Love Jones (band)
Encyclopedia
Love Jones is an American band, formed in Louisville, Kentucky
in spring 1990 by Ben Daughtrey (drummer) and Barry Thomas (bassist), with Chris Hawpe (singer/guitarist), Stuart Johnson (drummer) and Jonathan Palmer (singer). According to Entertainment Weekly
, Love Jones was the leader of the "cocktail nation" groups of the early 1990s. These groups, which included Combustible Edison
, Nightcaps
, Squirrel Nut Zippers
and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
were a reaction to the grunge
/alternative
wave that swept through America in 1992. Cocktail Nation members celebrated the aesthetics and music of the 1950s and early 1960s — lounge jazz
, crooning pop, and martinis. Love Jones played any sort of pop music that could fit that label — pop, blues, R&B, bossa nova, doo wop.
Love Jones started in Louisville in 1990 along with bands like Slint
and Palace Brothers, showing the diversity of the Louisville music scene. In 1992 Love Jones moved to Los Angeles and took up a Thursday night residency at the nightclub Largo
for a weekly show that featured guest performers like Jon Brion
and Mark Flanagan, who eventually performed on Love Jones recordings.
shortly after releasing a 45 single on Minty Fresh Records. Their first full length record, "Here's to the Losers", was released internationally in late 1993; the second album, "Powerful Pain Relief", was released in 1995.
1993's Here's to the Losers (co-produced by the band and Rod O'Brien) contains a wide mix of sound, including disco, blaxploitation film soundtracks, samba, soul and funk. Key tracks include "Central Avenue," "Li'l Black Book," "Custom Van," "Drive-In," "Ohio River" and "Fragile".
1995's Powerful Pain Relief (co-produced by Paul du Gré) reveals more of Love Jones' inspiration, including Isaac Hayes
, early Chicago
, Earth Wind & Fire and Chic
. Key tracks include the title track, "World of Summer", "You Don't Know Me", and "The Thing", the latter a single that was made into a short form video directed by Liz Friedlander
.
2010's FOREVER
(produced by Love Jones) reveals that the guys have not lost a step in the 15 years since their last release. Key tracks include "Charm City" and "Hey California."
and Vince Vaughn
who frequently attended Love Jones' shows at the Mondrian Hotel and Largo
. Love Jones Bassist Barry Thomas was a Music Consultant on Swingers.
They also gained fans across the United States through touring, often in support of alternative rock bands of the day, such as Afghan Whigs and The Presidents of the United States of America
.
In addition to their recording work and live performances, Love Jones appeared in the made-for-TV film Since You've Been Gone
starring Teri Hatcher
, and the indie French Exit starring Jonathan Silverman
. The band also appeared in the film The Sweetest Thing
as the wedding band. They can also be seen in the Pedro Zamora tribute episode of The Real World: San Francisco
.
The band continues to perform a few times a year in Los Angeles and Louisville. They have finished a new album slated to be released in October 2010.
as part of Austin's fictional band Ming Tea
, which also featured Susanna Hoffs
and Matthew Sweet
. He also played drums for the New Radicals
. He now drums in the alternative rock band Simon Dawes
.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville is the largest city in the U.S. state of Kentucky, and the county seat of Jefferson County. Since 2003, the city's borders have been coterminous with those of the county because of a city-county merger. The city's population at the 2010 census was 741,096...
in spring 1990 by Ben Daughtrey (drummer) and Barry Thomas (bassist), with Chris Hawpe (singer/guitarist), Stuart Johnson (drummer) and Jonathan Palmer (singer). According to Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
, Love Jones was the leader of the "cocktail nation" groups of the early 1990s. These groups, which included Combustible Edison
Combustible Edison
Combustible Edison was a group founded in the early 1990s in Providence, Rhode Island, and was one of several lounge music acts that led a brief resurgence of interest in the genre during the mid-1990s...
, Nightcaps
Nightcaps (band)
Nightcaps were an American Lounge music band from Seattle, Washington active from 1994 until 2002.Nightcaps were an integral part if the mid 1990s Lounge music resurgence that included bands such as Combustible Edison,...
, Squirrel Nut Zippers
Squirrel Nut Zippers
The Squirrel Nut Zippers are a band formed in 1993 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina by James "Jimbo" Mathus , Katharine Whalen , Chris Phillips on drums, Don Raleigh on bass and sideman Ken Mosher....
and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is a contemporary swing revival band from southern California. Their notable singles include "Go Daddy-O", "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight ", and "Mr. Pinstripe Suit". The band played the Super Bowl XXXIII half-time show in 1999.The band was originally formed in Ventura,...
were a reaction to the grunge
Grunge
Grunge is a subgenre of alternative rock that emerged during the mid-1980s in the American state of Washington, particularly in the Seattle area. Inspired by hardcore punk, heavy metal, and indie rock, grunge is generally characterized by heavily distorted electric guitars, contrasting song...
/alternative
Alternative rock
Alternative rock is a genre of rock music and a term used to describe a diverse musical movement that emerged from the independent music underground of the 1980s and became widely popular by the 1990s...
wave that swept through America in 1992. Cocktail Nation members celebrated the aesthetics and music of the 1950s and early 1960s — lounge jazz
Lounge music
Lounge music is a retrospective description of music popular in the 1950s and 1960s. It is a type of mood music meant to evoke in the listeners the feeling of being in a place — a jungle, an island paradise, outer space, et cetera — other than where they are listening to it...
, crooning pop, and martinis. Love Jones played any sort of pop music that could fit that label — pop, blues, R&B, bossa nova, doo wop.
Love Jones started in Louisville in 1990 along with bands like Slint
Slint
Slint was an American rock band consisting of Brian McMahan , David Pajo , Britt Walford , Todd Brashear and Ethan Buckler...
and Palace Brothers, showing the diversity of the Louisville music scene. In 1992 Love Jones moved to Los Angeles and took up a Thursday night residency at the nightclub Largo
Largo (nightclub)
Largo is a nightclub and cabaret in Los Angeles, CA, known informally as Café Largo or Club Largo, known for its retinue of musical and comedic performers and for the Friday night "residency" of singer-songwriter Jon Brion, which has made the club a must-visit for fans and professional...
for a weekly show that featured guest performers like Jon Brion
Jon Brion
Jon Brion is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer.-Early life:...
and Mark Flanagan, who eventually performed on Love Jones recordings.
Personnel
- Ben Daughtrey (singer/percussion)
- Jonathan Palmer (singer)
- Barry Thomas (bass)
- Chris Hawpe (singer/guitarist)
- Stuart Johnson (drummer 1990-2003)
- Philip Gough (lead guitar)
- Scott Lankford (drummer 2003–present)
Albums
In 1992 Love Jones received a contract with Zoo Entertainment/BMGBMG
Bertelsmann Music Group, , was a division of Bertelsmann before its completion of sale of the majority of its assets to Japan's Sony Corporation of America on October 1, 2008. It was established in 1987 to combine the music label activities of Bertelsmann...
shortly after releasing a 45 single on Minty Fresh Records. Their first full length record, "Here's to the Losers", was released internationally in late 1993; the second album, "Powerful Pain Relief", was released in 1995.
1993's Here's to the Losers (co-produced by the band and Rod O'Brien) contains a wide mix of sound, including disco, blaxploitation film soundtracks, samba, soul and funk. Key tracks include "Central Avenue," "Li'l Black Book," "Custom Van," "Drive-In," "Ohio River" and "Fragile".
1995's Powerful Pain Relief (co-produced by Paul du Gré) reveals more of Love Jones' inspiration, including Isaac Hayes
Isaac Hayes
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. was an American songwriter, musician, singer and actor. Hayes was one of the creative influences behind the southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served both as an in-house songwriter and as a record producer, teaming with his partner David Porter during the...
, early Chicago
Chicago (band)
Chicago is an American rock band formed in 1967 in Chicago, Illinois. The self-described "rock and roll band with horns" began as a politically charged, sometimes experimental, rock band and later moved to a predominantly softer sound, becoming famous for producing a number of hit ballads. They had...
, Earth Wind & Fire and Chic
Chic (band)
Chic was an African American disco and R&B band that was organized during 1976 by guitarist Nile Rodgers and bassist Bernard Edwards. It is known best for its commercially successful disco songs, including "Dance, Dance, Dance " , "Everybody Dance" , "Le Freak" , "I Want Your Love" , "Good Times"...
. Key tracks include the title track, "World of Summer", "You Don't Know Me", and "The Thing", the latter a single that was made into a short form video directed by Liz Friedlander
Liz Friedlander
Liz Friedlander is an American film, music video and television director.Originally from New York, Friedlander moved to Pennsylvania to attend the Drama Conservatory school at Carnegie Mellon University...
.
2010's FOREVER
Forever
Forever or 4ever may refer to:*Eternity, a limitless amount of time-Albums:*Forever , or the title song*Forever , or the title song*Forever , or the title song...
(produced by Love Jones) reveals that the guys have not lost a step in the 15 years since their last release. Key tracks include "Charm City" and "Hey California."
Discography
| Year | Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Live At Jerry's | Self Released - Cassette only |
| 1992 | I Like Young Girls b/w Lil' Black Book | 45 RPM Single on Minty Fresh Records |
| 1993 | Here's To The Losers | Track 4 is Tool covering "Paid For Loving" |
| 1995 | Powerful Pain Relief | Jon Brion Jon Brion Jon Brion is an American rock and pop multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, composer and record producer.-Early life:... plays keyboards |
| 1995 | Love Jones - Live In Hollywood | Vinyl only release on Classic Records |
| 1996 | Swingers Soundtrack | |
| 2010 | FOREVER... |
Impact
The Love Jones signature song "Paid For Lovin" was featured in the Miramax film Swingers after the band developed a relationship with Jon FavreauJon Favreau
Jonathan Kolia "Jon" Favreau is an American actor, screenwriter, film director and comedian. As an actor, he is best known for his roles in Rudy, Swingers , Very Bad Things, and The Break-Up. His notable directorial efforts include Elf, Iron Man and its sequel, and Cowboys & Aliens...
and Vince Vaughn
Vince Vaughn
Vincent Anthony "Vince" Vaughn is an American film actor, screenwriter, producer and comedian. He began acting in the late 1980s, appearing in minor television roles before attaining wider recognition with the 1996 movie Swingers...
who frequently attended Love Jones' shows at the Mondrian Hotel and Largo
Largo (nightclub)
Largo is a nightclub and cabaret in Los Angeles, CA, known informally as Café Largo or Club Largo, known for its retinue of musical and comedic performers and for the Friday night "residency" of singer-songwriter Jon Brion, which has made the club a must-visit for fans and professional...
. Love Jones Bassist Barry Thomas was a Music Consultant on Swingers.
They also gained fans across the United States through touring, often in support of alternative rock bands of the day, such as Afghan Whigs and The Presidents of the United States of America
The Presidents of the United States of America (band)
The Presidents of the United States of America, commonly referred to as Pot USA or "PUSA" or The Presidents, are a twice Grammy-nominated American alternative rock band. The band formed in Seattle, USA, in 1993. The three-piece group currently comprises vocalist and "basitarist" Chris Ballew,...
.
In addition to their recording work and live performances, Love Jones appeared in the made-for-TV film Since You've Been Gone
Since You've Been Gone (film)
Since You've Been Gone is a 1998 U.S. made-for-TV movie directed by David Schwimmer about a 10th anniversary class reunion. Apart from Schwimmer himself, the film starred Philip Rayburn Smith, Joy E. Gregory, Joey Slotnick, Teri Hatcher, Jon Stewart, Rachel Griffiths and Lara Flynn Boyle. Love...
starring Teri Hatcher
Teri Hatcher
Teri Lynn Hatcher is an American actress, writer, and presenter. She is known for her television roles as Susan Mayer on the ABC comedy-drama series Desperate Housewives, and Lois Lane on the ABC comedy-drama series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman...
, and the indie French Exit starring Jonathan Silverman
Jonathan Silverman
-Personal life:Silverman was born in Los Angeles, California, the son of Devora and Hillel Emanuel Silverman, a rabbi. He is the grandson of famous Conservative Rabbi Morris Silverman. David Schwimmer was his best friend in high school. He is married to actress Jennifer Finnigan who he briefly co...
. The band also appeared in the film The Sweetest Thing
The Sweetest Thing
The Sweetest Thing is a 2002 American film farce directed by Roger Kumble and written by Nancy Pimental, who based the characters on herself and friend Kate Walsh...
as the wedding band. They can also be seen in the Pedro Zamora tribute episode of The Real World: San Francisco
The Real World: San Francisco
The Real World: San Francisco is the third season of MTV's reality television series The Real World, which focuses on a group of diverse strangers living together for several months in a different city each season, as cameras follow their lives and interpersonal relationships...
.
The band continues to perform a few times a year in Los Angeles and Louisville. They have finished a new album slated to be released in October 2010.
Alumni
Drummer Stuart Johnson appeared in the film Austin PowersAustin Powers: International Man of Mystery
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery is a 1997 American science fiction/action-comedy film and the first film of the Austin Powers series. It was directed by Jay Roach and written by Mike Myers who also stars in the title role. Myers also plays Dr. Evil, Austin Powers' arch-enemy...
as part of Austin's fictional band Ming Tea
Ming Tea
Ming Tea is a band formed and consisting of:*Mike Myers *Susanna Hoffs *Matthew Sweet...
, which also featured Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Hoffs
Susanna Lee Hoffs is an American vocalist, guitarist and actress. She is best known as a member of the all-female pop band The Bangles.-Early life:...
and Matthew Sweet
Matthew Sweet
Sidney Matthew Sweet is an American alternative rock/power pop musician. He was part of the burgeoning Athens, Georgia music scene in the early and mid-1980s before gaining commercial success during the early 1990s...
. He also played drums for the New Radicals
New Radicals
New Radicals were an American pop rock band active in the late 1990s, centered on frontman Gregg Alexander, who wrote and produced all of their songs and was the sole constant member...
. He now drums in the alternative rock band Simon Dawes
Simon Dawes
Simon Dawes was a rock band originally from Malibu, California. The band was signed with Record Collection and released their debut full-length, Carnivore, in September 2006. They have two previously released EPs. Blake Mills left the band shortly after Carnivore's release. The band's current...
.