YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – After a yearlong hiatus, Jones for Revival is recharged and ready to go.
And thanks to the long layoff, the band’s musical chemistry is at an all-time high, according to Jim DeCapua, its singer and guitarist.
The Youngstown-based jam band will play its first show in a few years Friday at Cedars West End.
DeCapua moved back to Youngstown last summer after living in Oregon for six years.
But he never really left his band behind. DeCapua spent most of his free time in the great Northwest kayaking and playing his guitar. He brought back hundreds of snippets that the band has been turning into songs. An album of new material should be released in late summer.
“We have some cool ideas that have been cooking for a while,” DeCapua said.
But first up is Friday’s show at Cedars. The long layoff was just what the band needed to wrap their brains around the music and reach the next level.
DeCapua said it shows during rehearsals.
“It only took one or two times for it all to come back,” he said.
The band – including keyboardist P.J. Rosenberg, bassist Andre Ptichkin and drummer Gino West – has actually been taking it slow ever since DeCapua moved away in 2018..
It was a decision that couldn’t be avoided. With growing families, careers and the need to make money immediately, the band members no longer had the time or energy to pour into music.
The band kept its chops alive by playing two or three shows a year that coincided with DeCapua’s visits to his hometown.
At the start of 2023, the band members decided to take off a full year.
Jones for Revival has been together for almost two decades. It has played countless gigs and recorded five albums in its early years, when its sights were set on bigger things.
But while the band chased all the usual signs of success – like social media numbers – the money remained elusive.
The long layoff allowed the band members to realize what really matters.
DeCapua learned during his time in Oregon that his goal shouldn’t be how many followers the band can amass.
“I just wanted us to sound good,” he said.
The band is not only older and wiser but – thanks to the reboot – has gained some musical perspective.
Since returning, the members have been playing at a higher level of intuitiveness and with more proficiency.
DeCapua offered a snapshot of what he means.
“We have a song called ‘West Side Willy’ that has a part that we used to have to practice a lot,” DeCapua said. “But it just came back to us, like our fingers remembered it.”
Since returning, Jones has added two original songs and two covers to its repertoire. Fans will hear the new material – plus a whole lot of classic Jones from the band’s eight albums and EPs – at the Cedars show.
The reenergized band will play two sets, without an opening act. It’s a gift to their fans – and to DeCapua.
“My birthday is a week after the Cedars show, and I had said I wanted to jam for my birthday,” DeCapua explained.
After a year off, that’s exactly what they’re planning to do.
Tickets are $15 at the door ($20 for those under 21). The show starts at 8 p.m. Cedars West End is located at 706 Steel St.
Pictured at top: Jones for Revival is Andre Ptichkin, Gino West, Jim DeCapua and P.J. Rosenberg.