The Golden Stone Years: An All-Star Performance Featuring the Music of Brian Jones and the Rolling Stones
A highlight of my summer was attending a concert on August 17th honoring Brian Jones, his music with the Rolling Stones, and his influences. The concert was hosted by Donovan and his wife and muse, Linda, and Kenney Jones, the legendary drummer for The Small Faces, Faces, and The Who, at the Hurtwood Park Polo Club in Surrey.
Among the amazing performers I saw were Kenney Jones & The Jones Gang, The Waterboys, Glen Matlock and The Tough Cookies, Lola Lennox, London Contemporary Voices Choir, and Joolz Jones the grandson of Brian Jones. Also featured were Cleo Sylvestre and Stash de Rola. A number of the musical artists performed songs by Muddy Waters, Elmore James and others who influenced Brian Jones, as well as songs from the era that Brian Jones was with the Rolling Stones.
It was a great moment when Donovan appeared on stage and sang “Ruby Tuesday” with several of the participating musicians, including Joolz Jones, and singers from the London Contemporary Voices Choir. It was such an uplifting moment that the audience also joined in.
Donovan also brought from London the singer Cleo Sylvestre to perform. In 1964 Cleo recorded “To Know Him Is to Love Him” and she was backed by Brian Jones and the Stones for that recording. Donovan introduced Cleo at the concert, and she delivered an amazing blues performance.
Donovan then introduced the amazing Stash de Rola, one of Brian Jones’ and the Stones’ closest friends. Stash came out and mesmerized the audience with an extraordinary improvisational solo performance on electric keyboard. It was one of the coolest things I had seen in a long time. Stash had performed in the early 60s with Vince Taylor and the Playboys. His sense of style and fashion was much appreciated in Swinging London in the 60s. He also happens to be the son of the great painter Balthus. Stash is currently featured in Gucci’s newest ad-campaign with Harry Styles.
Donovan and Stash’s presence on stage honoring Brian Jones was remarkable… two Rock & Roll shamans. Donovan’s ecstatic music and song has been charming and healing people with its beauty for a long time.
Joolz Jones was a brilliant presence at the concert. Every time he picked up the guitar or joined in on song it was a great vibe. Here is a short video of Joolz performing “Satisfaction” at the concert.
