"Most
noteworthy of the evening performances, however, was Brian Jones' recital:
he provided a closing recital par excellence,
displaying fine musicianship, grasp of style, and clarity of playing.
His performance provided an exhilarating close to this convention."
The American Organist, reviewing Jones' recital
at an Organ Historical Society convention
"Brian
Jones particularly impressed me with his remarkable command of every
aspect of managing the instrument, as well as with his
ability to sustain a piece whose natural inclination is to wander."
From a review in The Boston Globe by the distinguished critic
Michael Steinberg of a concert given in honor of the 150th birthday of
Cesar
Franck: Mr. Jones was one of five Boston organists selected to participate
in this concert and performed Franck's Fantasie in A Major
"The innumerable blends and contrasts that the organist
achieved on the tracker organ were constantly amazing. As Mr. Jones played
Schumann, the music seemed created for the organ he was playing. His
reverence for both the music and the instrument was apparent in both
his playing and his programming."
The American Organist, reviewing a concert at First Cngregational Church,
Cambridge, MA
"Mr. Jones displayed the technical polish and musical understanding
that carried him to the finale of the international competition at Saint
Albans, England... he plunged into Hindemith's First Sonata (1937) with
a blend of energy and emotional warmth that produced a memorable traversal
of this oft-programmed work. It drew on a richer palette of colors than
some authorities recommend, but achieve, in places, a spine-chilling
mode of mystery."
A Christian Science Monitor review of a concert at Old West
Church, Boston
"In Mr. Jones' recital there was respect for the music
whether early, romantic, or modern; yet it was always interesting and
exciting."
The American Organist, in a review of a Methuen Memorial Music
Hall performance
"Mr. Jones yesterday joined the distinguished list of soloists
in this series. It was a stirring performance."
The Providence Journal, Rhode Island
"Mr.
Jones is far more than technically competent-- it was his phrasing,
rhythm and understanding as much as digital virtuosity
that made Bach's brilliant Toccata in F Major a lucidly warm listening
experience."
Quincy Patriot-Ledger, Mass.
"Brian
Jones's recital was the most exciting of the (Organ Historical
Society) convention."
The Diapason Magazine
"Brian Jones amazed me with his command of the instrument, as well as with
his ability to sustain a piece whose inclination is to wander." (Franck
- Fantaisie in A major)
Michael Steinberg in The Boston Globe
"Brian Jones is a superlative musician."
The Diapason
"In Mr Jones' hands, the sound was clean and articulate in a way that
seemed to suit the music perfectly."
The Vineyard Gazette
"Jones did justice to Bach's vast and diverse works; this concert was a
spiritual experience..."
Holy Cross College Crusader
"Your organ recital, as part of our professional concert series, was spectacular,
and the positive comments I received afterwards - days later, in some cases,
were numerous. The sense I got from those who spoke to me was that this recital
was one of the best we have ever had here. And I concur. Your selection of
pieces was not only varied, they made the audience think and tie ideas together."
David Seaton, Music Dept Head, St Paul's School (NH)
AUDIENCE COMMENTS
"Wonderful variety of selections chosen to highlight different types of
organ music as well as the unique features of the new instrument."
"I loved his introductions to the music, where he pointed out special things
to listen for in each piece. It made even a non-musician feel intelligent
hearing something he had mentioned."
"It was a splendid, memorable experience, and Brian is indeed a versatile
performer who plays with competence, emotion and charm. Perhaps most outstanidng
is the fact that he seemed to love what he was doing, loved taking the audience
under his wing, loved hsaring his enthusiasm for the music The performer,
the organ, and the music all came together to form a perfect whole."
"We have a new audience for the organ, thanks to you..."
"We received so many enthusiastic comments about your artistry, charm and
the effectiveness of the new instrument here.."
"To hear such joy and poignancy expressed in your playing has been a privilege."