JONES FAMILY BAND/TOM TOPPING BAND - Moreton Methodist Chirch
This charity concert was held over for 2 years following the covid outbreak. Two charitable outlets, “Can Do” a food project based at the church and “For The Homeless“ in Liverpool would benefit.
The Jones family kicked things off with, “Pleasure of Your Company”, written by the much missed, former columnist of this magazine, Ian Chesterman, a perfect opening song.
You have to go way back in the mists of time for Pete Seeger’s, “Where Have All the Flowers Gone”, a song cycle that points out the futility of war.
Again an oldie but goodie written by Jeffrey Goffin and Carole King, “I’m Into Something Good”, which charted for Hermans Hermits.
The first song Donovan ever wrote was, “Catch the Wind”, you could almost touch the nostalgia coming from the audience. Laura performed solo on, “My Girl’s Waiting for Me”, made famous by Tim O’Brien.
In many people’s eyes, “Strangest Dream” is the best anti war song ever written, this 60’s anthem saw John Denver lead 1000’s of protesters at an open air rally in the USA.
For mine workers the world over Merle Travers wrote, “Dark as a Dungeon”
Looking back at the past Brian and his brother Gordon used to sing, “Fathom the Bowl”, when on journeys in their Dad’s car.
The first half ended with, “There but for Fortune”, written by Phil Ochs, a prolific writer of some of the finest songs ever penned.
Tom, Brian and Colin took to the stage to rapturous applause, kicking off proceedings with, “Something Here Tonight”, written by Colin.
Built in secret at Cammel Lairds in Birkenhead, “Alabama”, in recent years has become a stage show written and produced by Liverpool’s own Jimmy McGovern.
TTB have always excelled in good gospel songs such as, “Let’s Go Down in the Valley “.
Humour too has always been their strong point as in this tale, “They Don”t Write Them Like That Anymore”, families never fail to bring a smile to the face.
Irish songsters The Fureys brought us, “Sweet Sixteen”, a song that brought them international fame and fortune.
Ewan MacColl was without doubt this country’s father of the folk revival and gave us, “Thirty Foot Trailer”, an anthem for all travelling people.
Having said that, Bob Dylan was the biggest icon of the 60’s revival. Three of his songs followed, “Your Baby Tonight”, “Times They Are A-Changin’”and one of his most performed songs, “Blowin’ in the Wind”.
Many people around the world are still oppressed, be it by war, Governments or Dictators. This song should be their watchword, “We Shall Overcome”.
Colin wrote, “Cold on the Road”, TTB’s anthem for those looking for a warm, cosy refuge, away the from the cold, bleak outdoors.
With the Jones family now firmly alongside TTB on stage, time for another of those harmony songs they perform so well, “This Little Light of Mine”, and with the audience adding their harmonies it was one of those special moments.
Sadly it’s time for the final song of an evening of true nostalgia, “Next Time Around”, it tells of people moving away but certainly not forgotten, it’s not goodbye but, I’ll be seeing you next time around!. It’s fitting that we started the evening with a song by the late Ian Chesterman and he also wrote the evening’s final offering.
A night which I fear will never be repeated as TTB and the Jones Family teamed up for charity and raised £1212 split between the two charities.
Both bands thoroughly enjoyed themselves and as the audience made their way out into the damp night air, there was a warm glow all around. Having raised money for charity as well as having enjoyed an unforgettable evening.
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