Why Paul Jones loves singing the blues in Shropshire

No one could have predicted that, 35 years on, they'd still be dazzling audiences with their showmanship.

About 20 albums and thousands of gigs later, they've earned a reputation around the world as one of the finest exponents of the blues tradition in all its forms.

And an audience in Market Drayton were the latest crowd to watch this well established band perform.

Former Manfred Mann leader singer and band member Paul Jones said he enjoyed visiting Shropshire.

He is best known for his work with Manfred Mann, his solo work and for his BBC Radio 2 blues show, which broadcasts each week.

He said: "It was only last year that I enjoyed a lovely break in Shropshire. We had a week and stayed near Church Stretton.

"I like Shropshire very much. It is a beautiful county."

Paul last visited Market Drayton in January 2014 when he performed with fellow Blues Band member Dave Kelly at the Festival Drayton Centre.

He added: "I like the venue very much.

"It is run very well and staff are brilliant. We were very happy to come and perform here again.

"Our management decided where we go when we perform but we do have an input about where we go.

"Three of us in the band are also in The Manfreds, formed in 1991 as a reunion of former members of the 1960s pop group Manfred Mann.

"So when we come to the end of a set of Blues Band concerts, we then start The Manfred tour.

"I love doing it because I love the music."

The individual members of The Blues Band were already held in admiration by generations of rhythm and blues fans when they formed back in 1979.

Almost two and a half decades later they continue to add to their growing army of followers, and it's not unheard of to find three generations from the same family at a gig.

Paul added: "People who came to see us when we started out will see a difference now. The big difference is the band seems much more relaxed. Energy is still a great component of what we do now.

"In the early days energy was 80 per cent of the show and now we have matured but still have that energy as well as things like wisdom and knowledge.

"I am a better musician than I was 30 years ago.

"We probably cover a greater breadth of music as well. Our style goes from city to soul to rock 'n' roll and country. It is widespread."

And when asked what the secret to the band's long successful history was, Paul answered: "We don't spend too much time together."

Glyn Jackson, Festival Drayton Centre manager, said: "We were really pleased to host the band again.

"On this occasion they approached us and asked if we could be one their 35 Year Tour stop-offs.

"Their performance five years ago was outstanding and Saturday's audience also had a real treat."

For more, go to www.thebluesband.net