There must be something in the water up there in Seattle. At least that’s the impression one gets when hearing the fiery music of Aryon Jones, who seems to have taken the best elements of his hometown’s musical heroes (namely Jimi Hendrix’s guitar wizardry and Kurt Cobain’s grunge grooves) and combined them into something altogether new. Jones, who experienced a tumultuous childhood, found comfort in music and eventually gravitated towards the guitar. After years of performing in local venues with his group the Way, Jones was noticed by veteran rapper Sir Mix-a-Lot, who produced their debut album Dream. Over the next few years, they hit the festival circuit and played some major shows with acts ranging from B.B. King to Guns N’ Roses and Public Enemy. In 2017, Jones launched his solo career, largely operating as an independent artist until his latest release with Big Machine, Child of the State. The album, which showcases his varied musical influences, is a brilliant piece of art filled with both righteous rage and radical healing.
