Tess Of The Circle is a British independent rock band that focuses on the songs of male songwriter Tess Jones and a collective of participating musicians. With a new album and live line, the album Thorns introduces shades of 70’s electric rock into the established upbeat acoustic guitar riffs and biographical lyrics that had previously seen Tess gain widespread critical recognition. Mixing intimacy with intent, this evolution of style came primarily from touring. “After I returned home from touring the first album”, Tess explains, “ I felt myself re-energized and more and more drawn to the rock songs that formulated my youth, the stuff that got me into music to begin with: Ziggy, Led Zep, The Doors, Jeff Buckley. To me, that was the next step that we have bought to Thorns. I still write about what I know. It’s still me and an acoustic guitar but now I have a new circle of musical friends around me that open it all up”. His first solo album achieved repeat National Radio play and was cited as “not to be ignored” (Mojo), with its “intriguing complex songs that creep under the skin with each listen” (Acoustic Magazine). However the new album saw a rename and a full band approach. The result is that TESS OF THE CIRCLE has certainly taken things to the next level! An astonishing 7 tracks off the album Thorns have been played on BBC RADIO 2 with a follow up live session on Bob Harris furthering their national radio portfolio. To top it off the band have just completed their 10th BBC Radio session in the last year alone! “A wonderful record” – Bob Harris (BBC Radio 2)
