Well, the Smothers Theatre may not have been completely filled with people on Friday night, but it sure was filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Jones Family Gospel Singers came into town and created a mighty army that would have made Gideon proud.
The three-generation team came from Austin to Malibu with a rhythm section sent down from heaven, as Kenny Freeman-Jones/b, Fred Jones Jr/dr and Ezra Bryant/g set down a foot stomping groove as vocalists Alexis Jones, Velma Davis, Ernestine Ray, Sabrina Freeman and Theresa Jones formed a soul stirring team to help brothers Kenny and Fred get the congregation standing for some testifying on “Crucify Jesus” and “I Want You To Know Him.” Sister Alexis got into the act with the growl of a preacher as she got a witness on “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” and “I Am” while taking the message to the people by jumping off stage and joining with the audience in a praise-along. Hallelujah!
Dad and Bishop Jones then came to the pulpit and delivered a take of “Stand By Me” that put the soul back into soul music. With a Baptist beat in support, he delivered a Sunday School lesson on “Bones” that mixed the message of Ezekiel with the spinal knowledge of a chiropractor. A version of “Love Train” mixed the old skins hit with the new wine of Alexis’ voice, and got the people rolling in the aisles, while Alexis and the Bishop reached down and grabbed pure gold on a “Blues” that had Bryant’s guitar wailing like a Pentecostal .
Alexis’ authoritative and fervent voice on “Down on Me” lead to a finale in “Shout” that showed the roots of American popular music, which is the kind you used to hear on a Sunday.
Bishop Jones said that the purpose of his music is “to bless and minister to you.” By that standard, there was a healing service at Pepperdine University Friday Night.
Upcoming shows at Pepperdine include Little River Band Feb 28 and Rhythm Circus Mar 6