Five Funky Stories:: Jon Janes of The Mountains and The Trees + free EP

For years, whenever I thought of Newfoundland I only thought of Jockey Club beer, Iceberg tracking web sites and Ches' Fish & Chips, but lately more and more talented acts have been coming across our desk. Most people know Polaris Short-listers Hey Rosetta!, but the amount of good music coming from the Rock is insane. For me though, Jon Janes - aka The Mountain & The Trees - is the act I'm keeping my eye on. You know what? I'm not the only one.

Jon is coming to Halifax on Nov. 15th to open for the legendary Billy f&cking Bragg! It's hard to believe he's making waves all over North America on the strength of 4-songs, well, that is until you actually listen to his songs. His arrangements rise and fall like a slow beating heart and every time I throw on Hop, Skip & A Jump, I play it three or four times in a row.

Jon was feeling frisky, so he decided to take on the herohill Random Question Generator, discussing topics like tight pants, favorite instruments and his love for BA Johnston.

He also wanted to thank you the reader by offering up a copy of Hop, Skip & A Jump. I can't recommend it enough - ie. it's high on my Best-of '09 EP list - and it's well worth you leaving a comment with your details or dropping us an email (herohill AT gmail DOT COM).

So, enjoy the track and Jon's responses.

Name: Jon Janes

Band: The Mountains & The Trees

Web: http://www.rockandroots.com

1. Super tight pants on dudes: Yes! or Noooooooooooooooo!

Emphatically no.

2. If you could only keep one instrument from your collection, what would it be?

Definately my guitar. I've been attached to it ever since I found it. Because of the year, it'd also be the hardest to replace. I'd have to put my suitcase as the second instrument for all the same reasons.

3. What was the first moment you considered yourself a 'professional musician'?

During my first tour, at a show in Halifax, at Gus' Pub, with Jon McKiel. After the show, a couple approached me outside and asked if I'd be in Newfoundland the next week, which I was. They took my contact info and got in touch with me when I got back. They were from the Netherlands and bought a handfull of CDs to bring back to their friends. They even got me to autograph them. It felt really weird, but it always stood out as one of those moments.

4. Mr. Dressup or The Friendly Giant? (or neither because you're too young and have no idea who they are)

Mr. Dressup. I was at the CBC museum for the first time in Septemeber and saw the tickle trunk - mind-blowing.

5. Name a Canadian band (past or present) that should be bigger outside this country.

BA Johnston. I'd LOVE to see how his show would go over in other countries!

MP3:: The Mountain & The Trees - Up & Down
MYSPACE:: http://www.myspace.com/themountainsandthetrees

Labels: Canada, contests, Five Funky Stories, Music, Music Canada Newfoundland, The Mountain and The Trees