Album Notes

Canadian singer/songwriter Derek Jones has been writing and performing original music for over a decade. Following the success of his first band, On The Edge, and his first solo CD, Hobo Phenomenon, Jones recently released Awakening, a 12-song original album that blends sensitive guitar and artistic vocals to create a unique mix of folk, adult contemporary and pop/rock sounds.

Jones is well known for both his intimate solo concerts and his energetic live full-band performances. He has worked with many noted musicians, including drummer Peter Von Althen (Skydiggers, Lynn Miles, Starling); producer and musician Ian LeFeuvre (Starling, Lynn Miles, Jim Bryson); bassist Kevin McCarragher (Kathleen Edwards); Brent Ogletree (Ronnie Hawkins, Jack deKeyzer); and has opened for Blue Rodeo and Trooper. He is also well known for organizing and performing at benefit concerts to support causes he believes in. He has raised thousands of dollars for charities like the Stephen Lewis Foundation, Canadian Cancer Society, local food banks, and many others.

Jones has enjoyed thousands of successful live performances in Canada and the U.S. throughout his career. He found early success as band leader of Ottawa-based rock group On The Edge. As lead songwriter, guitarist and vocalist for the group, Jones played a key role in creating their self-titled debut album, which sold over 3,500 copies and crossed four broadcast formats (A/C, MOR, Rock, and Country). He also co-produced two professional videos for the group, which received regular airplay on Much Music, Musique Plus, Dan Gallagher’s Video Hits and MTV. The band’s “The Beer Drinking Song,” co-written by Jones, was featured in the Canadian movie Harmony Cats, directed by Sandy Wilson and starring Canadian country sensation Lisa Brokop.

Awakening has received critical acclaim from the national and local music industry. It was among the top 100 songs on Majic 100 FM’s “Top 100 of 2004,” keeping good company with major recording artists like Bryan Adams, Sheryl Crow, and Avril Lavigne. Since the release of Awakening, Jones has played for large audiences at local venues, has made television appearances (Breakfast @ the New RO), and has seen the album receive regular rotation on local radio stations.