Fresh from their Bob Harris session live on BBC RADIO 2, Tess Of The Circle are taking their new album Thorns on the road. Multiple national radio shows, festivals from Glastonbury, Cambridge Rock Festival to Broadstairs Folk Week and gigs at Ronnie Scotts and the Jam House. Check out the CV...

 

  TESS OF THE CIRCLE - "Thorns" (2013)

(scroll down for links to the albums on soundcloud) 

 

National Radio

 

 


BBC Radio 2 (Bob Harris) - mutiple tracks, mutiple shows 


15/12/2013 - Album Live Session & Interview  - listen here.

01/06/2013 - 'Better Days'
 "It's a really really good record this! That's Tess Of The Circle and the album is Thorns"  

19/05/2013 - 'Vagabonds & Rogues'
"
Brand new music sounding really, really good! And I know that Janice Long is also a big fan of Tess of the Circle which is a band built around the talents of Tess Jones. The album by the way is produced by Chris Potter (The Verve - Urban Hymns) and he has made a wonderful job of this ..."   
09/05/2013 - 'Better Days'
"Another very very fine album!"
+ "A fabulous record!" (Via Twitter)

 

BBC Radio 2 (Janice Long) - mutiple tracks, mutiple shows

 

14/10/2014 - 'No Place Like Home'
08/10/2014 - 'No Place Like Home'
12/09/2014 - 'No Place Like Home'

17/03/2014 - 'No Place Like Home' - "Great new tune! Good stuff from Tess Of The Circle!"
12/03/2014 - 'No Place Like Home' - "Great tune!"

20/08/2013 - 'Better Days'
31/05/2013 - 'Better Days'

02/05/2013 - 'Lifesong'
"Brilliant! Janice loves Tess Of The Circle!"

 

BBC Radio 2 (Paul O'Grady) - mutiple tracks, mutiple shows


13/10/2013-  'History'
04/08/2013 - 'Lifesong'

 

BBC Radio 2 (Alex Lester)


07/08/2013 - 'Lifesong' -  "Really like that! That's a guy called Tess Jones and a cast of luminaries. That's Tess Of The Circle"

 

BBC Introducing

08/11/2014 - 'Better Days'
22/02/2014 - 'Mixed Emotions'

 

 

Syndicated/Local Radio

 

BBC Radio London (November 2013)


17/04/2014 - Live Session

14/11/2013 - Live Session

 

BBC (Oxford)


29/06/2014 -  Will Gompertz Show

 

 

BBC Radio Kent


06/05/2013 - 'Better Days' Kent Folk Show - "That's a lively one! The band is Tess Of The Circle" 
01/06/2013 - 'Better Days' Tim Addicott/Adam Dowling - "Love it! Perfect music for a day like today"
05/07/2013 - 'Lifesong'  Pat Marsh Afternoon Show - Live Session and interview
06/01/2014 - 'History' Adam Dowling

 

BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester


23/11/2012 - Live session and interview


Roger 'Twiggy' Day (DJ)

 

"This band are going to be huge. Radio stations that don't play this music aren't worth listening to." 

 

Radio Caroline

 

Barry James - Featured album (4 tracks)
Tony Paul (album plays)
Mark Stafford (album plays)

 

Federal Radio

 

GIGlepicsRadio Show/Sarah Quinn -  "Amazing feedback on this show, fantastic album!"  


Press

 

Acoustic Magazine (review August 2013) “ From the opening chords of ‘Better Days’ where Tess sings ‘I can breath these days....’over a symphonic wash of strings & driving drums, the production & arrangements on this album are nothing short of perfection". Full review here: Acoustic Mag review

 

Music Week - "Tess of the Circle are a musically acclaimed British collective who create electric-acoustic rock. They have racked up 10 BBC radio live sessions in just over a year including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2, BBC London and Will Gompertz's BBC Oxford."

 

Acoustic Magazine (feature August 2013): Full featuire here: Retune Your Ears piece.

 

Guitar Techniques (full page feature July 2013): Full page feature here: Click Here 

 

FATEA - "This new album by Tess of the Circle can be summed up in just one word: Exciting. That is the main emotion that comes across through listening to the album and it stays with you from the very start until the very end... A fantastic album with excellent and exciting variety". Full review here: FATEA

 

The Telegraph "For those who taste is electric folk-pop rather than acoustic, you might like to check out Thorns by Tess of the Circle. The well-crafted songs of Tess Jones are catchy and energetic".

 

Guitar & Bass Magazine - "A grand production of strings, piano & some inspired lead work from Lee Clifton naturally support Jone's acoustic tunes for this epic folk pop record."

HiFi+ - "Thorns drips with references to everything from the Moody Blues to that newly discovered Rodriguez Cold Fact album. Its very good, and very well recorded"

R2 Magazine - "This acclaimed vehicle for the very english singer songwriter Tess Jones expands on the folky approach of the well received debut. Ambitious - and successful"

  

Fireworks Magazine -  "Seventies Rock style that evokes memories of The Moody Blues, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd, David Bowie and Jethro Tull, while the varied and stirring string arrangements are undoubtedly reminiscent of Electric Light Orchestra, but on the other hand it also manages to take in a more modern Indie yet Arty approach. A varied mix of styles pervades throughout the eleven tracks, with progressive leanings and periodical forays into folk territory that remind this particular listener of Mostly Autumn.  The songs range from a straightforward Rock style to darker and atmospheric pieces, and lighter, jaunty and pop-tinged numbers to delicate, wistful ballads, and one of the key attractions is that you never know which direction each song will head, which keeps it all interesting throughout. An impressive flair for composition, and the story-telling, poetic style of lyrics are deeply personal yet accessible, this is a real treat"


Press Association (National syndication) - Tess Jones, the British male singer-songwriter of Tess Of The Circle, adapts his voice for each song to set the mood on this bold and interesting album. Jones' singing is beautifully enchanting.  A good album... with a lot of potential.

 

Music Riot - "Eleven well-crafted songs here which are delivered by incredibly good musicians playing subtle and intricate arrangements... you should be listening to “Thorns”.". ****   Full review here: Music Riot

 

For Folks Sake - "From the opening seconds of first track ‘Better Days’ stirring guitars signal this is a very different album. The mix of moods can make this feel like an album of two halves. It can add to the anticipation –you never quite know what Tess has planned next". For Folks Sake

 

My Random Jukebox - "I can’t recommend this album highly enough and you should grab yourself a copy today, you will not be disappointed" Full review & interview here: My Random Jukebox.

 

Get Ready to Rock - "It will be interesting to see whether those of a certain age who harp on about the demise of rock are prepared to give a new artist like Tess a chance. Back ‘in the day’ Thorns would have undoubtedly propelled Tess onto a level that would have seen him selling out theatre venues in the UK. The musical world has since shifted on its axis, but those baby boomers who satiate their hunger with anniversary re-issues of 1970s albums would be advised to give Thorns a listen. They could be pleasantly surprised". ****   Full review here: Get Ready to Rock.

The Rocker - "It’s the songs that stand out. Sit back, relax and enjoy up tempo finger clickers like ‘Better Days’ and the more introspective weepies such as ‘Eyes Of A Clown’. Either way, a surprise treat".

 

Roots and Branches - "A marriage of 70s electric rock and acoustic folk. Orchestrated with piano and strings, there’s an often dramatic swell to proceedings with [bassist] Minchella and drummer Geoff Dugmore ensuring everything’s built upon a very solid rhythm foundation". Read here: Roots and Branches

 

East Kent Lifestyle - "An exceptional and challenging record. Fans of Tess' earlier work and the folk rock scene will be delighted with this".

 

 

Selected Live Dates (Tess Of The Circle / TESS):

 

 

 

 

 

2014 - Cambridge Rock Festival (Headline), Lunar Festival, Lakefest Festival, Ronnie Scotts, The Jam House (Birmingham), Broadstairs Folk Week, Rochester Sweeps, The Bedford (London), Bodfest 2014.

 

 

2013 - Joan Armatrading (Support), Beautiful Days, Maddy Prior (Support), Salisbury Festival St. Pancras Station Sessions,Small World Festival (2013), Ashford Festival, Portobello Road Acoustic Sessions (2013), Proud Camden (Mutiple, 2013),

 

 

2012/2011 - Glastonbury Festival 2012 (5 shows) Hop Farm Festival 2012 and 2011 , Birmingham Symphony Hall ( full capacity audience), Secret Garden Festival 2011, Small World Festival 2011, Canterbury Ale Festival, The Bedford (London, multiple dates), Rich Mix.(London), Create Festival, Rochester Sweeps.

 

 

Listen to 'Thorns':

 

 

 





TESS -(solo) - Album Reviews "Magpie" (2011/2012)


HMV
 chosen for the “essential albums you should have heard in 2010” campaign.

BBC Radio 2 (Janice Long)  “Beautiful! I don’t think this will be the last time you hear Tess on this show!”.  
“Huge, absolutely huge response to the Tess play, we will be playing him again”.
 

BBC Radio 2 (Mike Harding) "People have been getting touch with me about an artist called TESS. I got the album and I love it. Really interesting song there from a really interesting artist!

BBC Radio 6 (Tom Robinson) - "A fine album!"

Absolute Radio (Pete Donaldson) - “Makes you long for summer. It builds and breaks, sways and then ends a spell too soon. Lovely!

 

Accoustic Magazine “Tess writes intriguing complex songs that creep under the skin with each listen. He draws the listener into a subtly shaded, pastoral English landscape. These are deep waters well worth exploring" 

The Independent & Independent on Sunday “Rich string arrangements. Tess is a soul in flight from the horrors of the peopled world” {Indy choice: Best of the new music feature}.

MOJO "If he'd come along earlier, he'd probably have headlined at Soho's {1960's} Les Cousins on a regular basis. Not to be ignored" 

Music-news.com "Tess is a fine songwriter, his music is melodious... Loaded with emotion.”

Folkradio.co.uk “A wonderfully atmospheric album. Magpie has the making of a classic, and it grows on you still further after each listen. A beautiful and lovingly crafted album from a humble soul. Fans of Alexi Murdoch and Ray Lamontagne will love it!”

Q RADIO (Caroline Beavon
) “The vocals offer emotion and confession with equal tenderness and the songwriting proves a great deal of musical education and talent. A joy to listen to, and one that I would return to again and again”

forfolkssake - "Magpie is distinguished by well-crafted, honest songwriting while the vocal delivery is perfectly understated. I found myself reaching for it again and again".

Birmingham Mail “
Echoes of Nick Drake, Ray Lamontagne & Scott Matthews. An album of any era!”

 

Suite101.com "A musical delight often dreamed of but never found...emotionally engaging songcraft. An excellent debut from a gifted songwriter". (9 out of 10)

Classic Rock Society
 
“A gentle set of songs... With a sense of polished sensitivity. A pleasant listen of the rootsy type” 

Blackpool Gazette
“There’s a major talent dwelling in this seemingly self effacing singer, guitarist and songwriter. The reflective tone… will hook you and haunt you”. 

Scarborough Evening 
News “Raw emotion for the entire world to see. One for you if you like original music played with passion and real feeling” 

The People's Music Awards 2010 
"In "Magpie", raw fragile emotion gets polished by musical production perfectionism like we haven't heard in years! Outstanding, moving and so intimate. Highly recommended!" {Tess - grand national finalist - best male} 

getreadytorock "A gentle dreamy affair... Something of a throwback to early Bowie, Donavon and Bolan days. Enthralling !"

R2 (formally Rock N Reel) "This is a fine debut. Big room and the single Elliott are both cracking songs".

Burton Mail {“Magpie album”}
 
“Tess is a musician with a considerable gift…. Very good indeed” (4 stars * * * *) 

Burton Mail (“Elliott” album track) “Tess is an exciting discovery in the acoustic/folk genre, offering a powerful mix of strong vocals and guitar skill. An exciting release, which hopefully points to great things to come.” (4 stars* * * *) 

EK1 (East Kent One) Magazine – 
“Magpie, a beautiful haunting album from local Kent artist TESS, set to please fans of Damien Rice, Nick Drake and Ray Lamontagne” 

RockKent
 - "Tess has achieved a thought provoking and moving collection of compositions that I will keep coming back to again and again"

 

"Magpie" Press Interviews:
ACOUSTIC magazine (1/2page), GUITAR TECHNIQUES (3/4 page), Classic Rock Society (full page),
EK1 (full page), Canterbury Times (full page), Herald (Kent, full page)



LISTEN TO MAGPIE....

 

 

 

 

AWARDS, RECENT TV, INTERNET & RADIO:


Awards: 

People’s Music Awards 2010: Best Male grand finalist, UBR (Unsigned Band Review): Emerging Icon, Hop Farm Festival 2011 and 2012 Finalist

Internet: 
Artist of the Week on Gotseen.com.
Uplaya.com GOLD award for song writing for “Elliott” and “Save me from myself”.


TV: 
Selected by Job De Witt (Netherlands top music critic) as best folk video for TV show 22tracks.com.
LAVA TV (Sky) top 10 requested video + playlist for “Elliott” and “Big Room”

Radio:
BBC Radio 2 (Janice Long, Mike Harding), BBC Radio 2 Local Talent documentary, BBC Radio 6, Kerrang Radio, Q Radio, Absolute Radio, Folk radio.co.uk,Folk cast (podcast), BBC Radio Kent, BBC Leeds, BBC Shropshire, BBC Hereford & Worcester, BBC Stoke, BBC Devon, KMFM, VRN (scotland), Leigh FM, Moorlands Radio, Academy FM, Covent Garden Radio, Acoustic Spectrum.

  

Web: www.tessofthecircle.com    Twitter: @tessofthecircle        Spotify: Search 'TESS OF THE CIRCLE' and 'TESS magpie'. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TessOfTheCircle    Myspace: www.myspace.com/tessnotes