The guy who B.B. King kissed – on the lips
Man of the world, UK-Kiwi blues-roots legend Paul Ubana Jones, plays Howick’s Uxbridge Arts and Culture this Friday, November 13 (tickets still available), and to warm up for the special occasion, here’s more of our chat from a few months back, including the greatest story about meeting B.B. King – the late-great king of the blues.
PJ: You've supported and met some of the world's big-name musicians. Are there any favourite experiences that standout?
PUJ: Yes! Yes! Yes! B.B. King! I was backstage with the master and introduced to him. B.B. was sitting down in a low armchair.
The lighting was dim, and as I stooped over to shake his hand, he said: “Hello my dear! Wow! I have not seen an afro hairstyle like that since the late ‘60s!”
He then pulled me down to him and started to kiss me quite passionately on my lips.
I then said: ''Ah! Mr.King, I’m not a woman'!” And he said: ''Oh! Gee! You look so pretty from where I’m sitting!”
His entourage were all laughing and the vibe quickly resumed back to an air of sobriety. Great memories though.
PUJ: Norah Jones bought a whole case of Verve Cliquot after her premiere concert in Auckland. I was the soloist opening for her six concerts in New Zealand.
We were all walked over to a small pub, management shut down the bar and it was a great ‘champers’ party to affirm her maiden concert here.
I felt honoured and she was very friendly and respectful to me.
PUJ: Patti Smith was also hugely warm to me and respectful. I was the opener for her and Bob Dylan.
Patti invited me to eat with her and her band. We had a great time together.
PUJ: Tuck and Patti were also so respectful. Tuck Andress must be one of the greats when it comes to ‘jazz groove’ playing and improv.
I did a couple of gigs with them both here at the Wellington Jazz Festival, and then over in Los Angeles.
Tuck came back stage at one point and said: “Hey Paul! Can I have a look at your guitar?”
I showed it to him and he was shocked how basic it was! It blew him away. They were great to me.
* Paul Ubana Jones plays in the acoustically superb Uxbridge Theatre at Uxbridge Arts and Culture in Howick on Friday, November 13. For tickets, see www.uxbridge.org.nz....
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Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell
We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.
A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.
Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.
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