Hughie's Page

Since the Spinners' disbandment Hughie Jones is now the only member still performing regularly. He now has five CDs and a songbook to his name.

The book: Hughie's Ditty-Bag comprises yarns, drawings and words and music to his own songs.

Liverpool Connexions has Liverpool as a loose theme running through it although Hughie has carefully avoided filling it with the more obvious songs you may expect. A wonderful selection of traditional songs, re-worked Spinners tracks, totally new songs and even a moving poem written in the aftermath of the Hillsborough disaster. Hughie's work always impresses; if you haven't heard him then all I can do is recommend this CD to you.

The CD: Hughie's Ditty-Bag has 14 songs from the book and features 'Count' John McCormick on bass and a group of equally fine musicians.

Luv Stuff: is a CD and tape with an assortment of love songs and ballads. Again with 'Count' John and introducing son Dan on keyboards.

His CD Seascape is chock a block full with 25 sea-songs and ballads. Hughie is joined once again by 'Count' John, Brian Peters plays various squeeze boxes and other musical friends on fiddles, mandolin and keyboards.

Live At Snug Harbor was recorded at a gig in the US and contains plenty of spoken word introductions to the songs, allowing you to feel part of the whole experience. Ten songs, one never before recorded, with lots of interesting information to accompany them.

These products and enquiries regarding bookings can be obtained by contacting:-

Wee Huge Publications

31 Mornington Terrace

Upper Duke Street

LIVERPOOL

L1 9DY

CDs are priced at Ł10, tapes Ł6 and songbook Ł5.

Please send cheque with order. Post and package free in UK.

Hughie will be appearing in 2007 at the following events:
Everyman Folk Club every Tuesday (except August) - details on 0151 709 3336.
9th June WIRRAL FOLK ON THE COAST FEST. 0151 678 9902
14th June FLEETWOOD FOLK CLUB
31st Aug FYLDE FOLK FEST 01253 872 317
1st Sept CATISFIELD VILLAGE FOLK CLUB, THE LIMES HOTEL FAREHAM
2nd Sept FILTON RATEPAYERS 01454 864048
6th Sept BLUNDELSANDS SAILING CLUB (LIVERPOOL) for the RNLI 0151 929 2249

18/02/04 October 2003 saw Hughie undertake a short US tour which included a live recording of a concert at Snug Harbour, an historic sailors' home, now a museum, on Staten Island, New York.
At this location the famous song 'The Leaving of Liverpool' was noted by William Doerflinger who published it for the first time in 1951.
Needless to say Hughie finished his concert with the song.
The other notable gig was in the hospital in the small town of Natick, Massachusetts, where Hughie underwent his life-saving cancer operation exactly three years ago. A very emotional experience for all concerned. The PR lady from the hospital said ex patients express their thanks to the staff in various ways but this was certainly a unique gesture.
While on Staten Island Hughie wasted no time and was down to the Mandolin Brothers' store like a flash and bought a beautiful little Martin guitar to add to his small collection. It is a Martin OM 35 model.
Speaking of guitars - a visit to the Martin Factory was programmed and a Hughie CD cover now features on their 'Wall of Fame' alongside such great Martin players as Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Eric Clapton and Martin Carthy whose CD cover appeared the day before. Martin was touring at the same time but their paths never crossed.
Hughie did, however, meet a fellow folkie from yesteryear, John Pierce, another Martin collector.

26/01/03 Hughie writes - "At the end of the year we spent a little time in the USA again, this time without dire medical problems. I bought a very nice new guitar. It is a Martin acoustic/electric SPJC-16E Special Edition. The need for this new addition to my guitar collection became evident when I played to a crowd of over 20,000 at Southsea last summer when the Tall Ships Fleet sailed past from Portsmouth.
More and more venues seem to be installing good quality PA systems so I'm sure the new guitar will prove a good buy.
I am helping Chris and a few friends run a Folk Club in the heart of Liverpool on a Tuesday night and a great success it is too. We do not have a lot of imported guests as the level of local talent is stunning. Its address is: The Everyman Folk Club, The Everyman Theatre Bistro, Hope Street, Liverpool. Anyone with enquiries can phone Chris on 0151 709 3336.
Currently I'm working on a commission for a suite of songs about Joseph Williamson, known as the Mole of Edgehill. Have completed two songs but would like a further one or two."