The band that would become JEBO began when Rob Allen and Jeff France started to feel strongly that the touring band they were playing in at the time, K-Passa, was coming to an end. While that group were honouring their last gigs, Rob and Jeff would get together at Rob's home studio to write and record new music that would be different from anything they had done before. Their objective from the start was to work and perform to the highest standards.
When K-Passa had finally finished, the two had enough material to start looking for other musicians. First they needed to complete the essential backbone of any band's sound, the rhythm section, with a bass player, and from the many that applied, Lawrie Jones stood out from the rest in all respects. After jamming and recording some parts at RobÕs house the three of them shook hands there and then and went for a drink.
After a few live rehearsals as a three piece, they were ready to look for a singer. They knew this would not be easy as they were quite sure of the voice that JEBO needed. Despite many applicants, a national ad failed to come up with the goods. When singer/songwriter James Hollingsworth decided to look for a band to play his own music, he got in touch with the band through a web ad and they exchanged copies of their recordings. As with Lawrie, Jeff and Rob knew straight away that this was the voice they had been looking for. James was impressed with the band's all-round ability and after a mutual audition they soon sealed the deal with a visit to the local hostelry.
Now a four-piece JEBO were joined by Jeff's long time friend Jon Hollier on keys and the band started to rehearse, knowing that Jon wasn't to stay long term, as he had other commitments. Sure enough Jon departed and was replaced for a while by Phil Dudd on Hammond Organ.
They worked hard on getting the group to a high standard, and got their first gig supporting renowned Rhythm and Blues guitarist Wilko Johnson After the show people were amazed that this was the band's first gig.
From that moment onward JEBO continued to work, and had shows in Belgium, Germany and in the UK, including The Royal Albert Hall in London and The Grand Opera House in York as the opening act for The Musical Box and behind the scenes the band began to attract skilled people in the music industry who offered to help the band for love not money. By the time the group started working their way from opening act to top-billing at London's Borderline, they had invited an ex-band-mate of James', the classically trained Nick O'Neill, to play Hammond and Piano and were well into recording their first album, which Classic Rock magazine would later call “A Masterpiece”.
Released in March 2006, “Sinking Without You” is a testament to JEBO's hard work and professionalism, and has sold across Europe and America.
Here's to 2007!
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