The Voice contestant Evan Taylor Jones comes to Wilmington

Elizabeth Heglar | Lifestyles Editor

If you enjoy the dulcet tones of artists like Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lenny Kravitz, or Ritchie Havens, then an upcoming show at Satellite Bar and Lounge might be for you. A former contestant on The Voice, Evan Taylor Jones brings his plethora of influences to the live stage right here in downtown Wilmington.

During his senior year of high school while playing basketball Jones tore tissue, known as labrum tissue, in his shoulder. Forced to be in a sling for roughly three months trying to decide if he wanted surgery, Jones’ father bought him a guitar to pass the time he couldn’t spend out on the court. 

“I did not put [the guitar] down for those three months I was in the sling. It fit perfectly and I was on a high,” said Jones, “I had time to listen to music and enjoy it. It was the pivotal point of my life.”

Jones participated on The Voice this year, which gained him more fans and allowed him air time to get his name and voice out into the world. When asked what the most difficult aspect of participating in the well-known competition was Jones mentioned song choice.

“The most challenging part was not being able to choose the song I wanted to sing, but having to bit my tongue and sing a different song,” conveyed Jones.

Despite this arduous aspect of competing, Jones went on to say that he enjoyed meeting other talented artists, learning their stories and hearing about their plans for the future.

Speaking of the future, it looks like Jones is setting himself up for a bright one. His upcoming gig is one of many booked to tour his EP “The Sunray Sessions.” When asked what would be the best track for a first time listener to start with he named “Happy to groove with you”.

“It exposes a plethora of my influences from soul to swing music; it is one of the most eclectic songs on my record,” Jones explained.

Jones speaks about performing live like it’s a drug, focusing heavily on his live performances. Both the crowd and the travel that naturally coincides with live performances drive him.

“My favorite part about playing live is the energetic exchange between myself and the crowd; it is better than any drug,” Jones said.

Jones’ band was gathered from the Orlando music scene. The majority of them met by playing at a local bar called Red Lion pub, while the others had attended high school together and stayed in touch. The core of the group has been together for five years, with a few members coming and going over time.

“Being with this group helps add versatility. There are lots of options when it comes to production so that is inspiring in itself,” said Jones.

You can find Jones and his band this Friday, September 9. The show starts at 9:30 at the Satellite Bar and Lounge in downtown Wilmington.

Jones plans to release a deluxe version of “The Sunray Sessions” in late October that will feature three new songs. Shortly after Jones and company will be back on the road in November for another short tour of the re-released EP.