Releasing to all major platforms Nov 17, 2023
To say Brian Jones got no satisfaction from being ousted from The Rolling Stones is an understatement, few would argue. This founder laid everything out that he wanted for this group, but sadly his erratic behaviour and drug addiction destroyed him. These days, not every newcomer to this band would know just how important he was unless they watch The Stones and Brian Jones.
In Nick Broomfield‘s excellent documentary, Jones’ world is fully explored. We also hear from his bandmates and the industry about what they thought of him. He was well respected despite all that went on. Although much of his contributions are lost to history and disinterest, I have newfound respect for him. And everything he’s done to help make the stones the supergroup that they now are is honoured here than lamented.
The best details include revealing his upbringing to when he got kicked out of the house by his father and what he did afterwards. No detail is missed, or rather, every stone is overturned. By interviewing not only his parents, the closest friends and industry folks, we get a fairly solid picture of whom this individual is.
I particularly loved how his passion for Blues music is explored. It spoke to him and influenced where he believed his band should go. His love for the genre showed he learned everything that Elmore James and Robert Johnson offered. But what defined the band’s early sound is more Chicago and Mississippi style than anything else. Although they played mostly covers at the start, the group had to start composing original tunes–something Jones was not able to do, despite having parents who could teach him everything he needed to know!
Although the later sound modern fans know is primarily a Keith Richards and Mick Jagger thing, nobody should forget everything about the early albums, where Jones’ style can be heard. What’s presented in The Stones and Brian Jones shows how they were once buddies, warts, rivalries and et al., but as for cementing the group’s legacy, nobody should ever forget who Brian Jones is!
5 Stars out of 5
The Stones and Brian Jones Trailer:
