“There are so many incredibly talented musicians who may never be heard. The corporate music system doesn’t always push real talent or authentic voices. Ideally, I’d love for more artists to get a fair chance and let listeners decide who truly deserves the spotlight.”

Davey Jones: Blues … Made in Mississippi

South Mississippi native Davey Jones will release “Ball Cap Blues” (January 23). The nine-song disc features Jones' unique style of Blues music incorporating Southern and Contemporary influences while still staying true to the Mississippi Blues roots that he is known for. Jones is known for playing all the instrumentation on his songs; Ball Cap Blues is no different. From driving piano and guitar rhythms on songs like "Six Feet In The Ground" to liad-back grooves like "Walking Easy," to upbeat funk influences heard on "New Groove" to modern blues beats like "Woman I Love," Jones finds a way to weave multiple genres into a distinctive sound that's true to his Southern vibe. "I enjoy playing everything myself if possible," says Davey. "It means that everything on the song in uniquely me and my style."                                 (Photo: Davey Jones)

Davey Jones cut his teeth playing music around the Gulf Coast, blending a unique style of Delta Blues, Southern Rock, and Country into his playing. True to his roots, Jones opens Ball Cap Blues with "Banks of the Blues," his tribute to what life is like growing up in South Mississippi alongside the greats that came before. "When you grow up in this area, you're shaped by the music that surrounds you," explains Jones. "I was born where the first rock n' roll lick was recorded (Hattiesburg, MS in 1936 by the Mississippi Jook Band). I try my best to stay true to myself, but to also honor those great legends that paved the way for artists like myself. Ball Cap Blues is just that. My version of the Blues."  

Interview by Michael Limnios                    Archive: Davey Jones, 2025 Interview

Special Thanks: Davey Jones & Doug Deutsch

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process? 

I started making music as a little kid, so naturally the biggest change has been musicianship. Like anything in life, the more you do it, the better you get. I began recording on a Tascam four-track tape recorder with a single Shure microphone. Today, I have a full home studio with solid equipment.

Even with all the changes in technology, the core of what I do hasn’t changed. My goal is still to make music that’s fun and true to who I am. I play every instrument I can, write all the lyrics when possible, and mix and master everything in-house. That way, when someone listens to my music, they’re getting something that’s genuinely me.

How did your relationship with the blues come about? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

Growing up, I just played music without thinking about genres. As long as the beat felt right and the vibe was good, that’s all that mattered. I listened to artists like Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Allman Brothers, and many others, and I took pieces of what they did and made it my own.

Years later, when I discovered artists people typically label as “blues musicians” — like Tab Benoit, Keb’ Mo’, and B.B. King — it clicked. I realized this was the style that fit me best. That said, I don’t like being boxed into one genre. I pull from all my influences and blend them into my blues playing. That freedom is what makes blues music so special — there’s room for everyone.

“Honestly, I wake up every day with a melody or song idea in my head, so writing comes naturally to me. I tend to lean toward upbeat, lighthearted songs with a strong groove. I like music that lets people escape the seriousness of life and just enjoy the moment.” (Photo: Davey Jones)

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Ball Cap Blues”?

A lot of Ball Cap Blues came together in very natural, unplanned ways. Several songs started as ideas I’d test out live during shows, sometimes built from audience suggestions. I’d bring those ideas home and record them while the energy was still fresh. There were no strict schedules or pressure — just capturing moments when they felt right. That being said, this album only took a few weeks to complete.

Because I play most of the instruments myself, the album feels very personal. Some tracks were recorded late at night, others early in the morning before work, depending on when inspiration hit. That freedom allowed the songs to stay loose and honest, which fits the spirit of the album perfectly.

Why do you think that the Mississippi Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

For me, it comes down to this being the home of the blues. If you grow up here, music is everywhere — country, New Orleans jazz, Zydeco, Memphis soul, and of course, blues. We embrace our roots and respect the musicians who built this sound.

From legends like Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, and B.B. King to the bands playing in local bars, music matters here. People support each other, take the craft seriously, and genuinely love the sound. It’s not just history — it’s a deep-rooted culture that continues to live and grow.

How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?

Honestly, I wake up every day with a melody or song idea in my head, so writing comes naturally to me. I tend to lean toward upbeat, lighthearted songs with a strong groove. I like music that lets people escape the seriousness of life and just enjoy the moment.

Even when I touch on heavier themes, I try to put a fun twist on them. Most songs start with a beat, a phrase, or even a single word. I don’t overthink the process — I let the song write itself. Many of my favorite songs were written live on stage after an audience member threw out a title, and several of those ended up on this album.

“Growing up, I just played music without thinking about genres. As long as the beat felt right and the vibe was good, that’s all that mattered. I listened to artists like Chuck Berry, The Beach Boys, Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Allman Brothers, and many others, and I took pieces of what they did and made it my own.” (Photo: Davey Jones, South Mississippi native staying true to the Mississippi Blues roots)

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

There are so many incredibly talented musicians who may never be heard. The corporate music system doesn’t always push real talent or authentic voices. Ideally, I’d love for more artists to get a fair chance and let listeners decide who truly deserves the spotlight.

That said, this is already starting to change. With the internet, social media, YouTube, and TikTok, artists no longer have to play by the old rules. You can build something on your own terms, just like I and many others have. It’s encouraging to see, and I believe that trend will continue.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Everything in life feeds into my songwriting, whether I realize it or not. Work, relationships, kids, movies, sports — it’s all part of the everyday stuff that gives you ideas if you’re paying attention. I don’t usually sit down and say, “I’m going to write about something serious today.” Those themes just sneak in on their own.

I tend to put a lighter, more fun spin on real-life situations. Even when a song comes from stress, heartache, or frustration, I’d rather wrap it up in a good groove and a melody that makes people feel good. Movies influence how I tell a story, sports bring that competitive, never-quit attitude, and family life keeps things grounded and real. At the end of the day, I’m just writing about life as it happens — but I try to make it sound like something you’d want to turn up, not something you need to sit down and analyze.

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(Photo: Davey Jones)