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....
Poll: What does 'Kei te pēhea koe' mean?
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (Maori Language Week) is upon us and we always love to get involved.
Add your vote to the poll and share a phrase in te Reo Māori below to be in to win a $25 Prezzy card.
-
4.4% You are finally here
-
86.3% How are you (feeling)?
-
1.4% There are two fish
-
7.8% Pass the salt, please
Poll: Should drivers retake the theory test every 10 years?
Drivers get where they need to go, but sometimes it seems that we are all abiding by different road rules (for example, the varying ways drivers indicate around a roundabout).
Do you think drivers should be required to take a quick driving theory test every 10 years?
Vote in the poll and share any road rules that you've seen bent! 😱
-
50.7% Yes
-
47.2% No
-
2.1% Other - I'll share below
2 Bedroom Unit – Half Moon Bay/FarmCove/Highland Park available for rent
2 Bedroom Unit – Half Moon Bay/FarmCove/Highland Park available for rent.
A lovely 2-bedroom unit coming up for rent close to mid October 2024 (final date yet to be confirmed). Offers
- 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom, toilet.
- open plan kitchen with dishwasher, separate laundry
- spacious living area
- heat pump
- alarm system.
- own private deck
- piped gas for cooking and on demand hot water supply.
- separate gas, electricity and water meter
- Plenty On-street parking.
Walking distance to Wakaaranga Primary, Farmcove Intermediate and Pakuranga college. Close proximity to Highland Park supermarkets, public transport and ferry services. Suitable for up to 3 tenants.
Ideal tenant: Small family with school going child or professional couple. Will need to provide good rental references and good credit history. Please note photos are not current since tenants still residing. They were taken when unit was just built. Fridge in photo not included.
Listed elsewhere.
Moving cost:
Bond: 4 weeks rent
Rent: 1 week rent in advance
Tenant is responsible for water, power, lawn, garden maintenance, and other outgoings.
Sorry No pets, Smokers/Vapers please
Rent : $590 per week
Prefer long term commitment.
Those interested please contact by email 2bedroomunit4rent@gmail.com with a short introduction about yourself and include a completed tenancy application. Form is available on www.tenancy.govt.nz...
Property can be viewed strictly by prior appointment only.
Loading…
