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Al Jones - Apres-Ski Musician

Meet the man behind the après

featured in News & reviews Author Rachel Wilson, Courchevel Reporter Updated

We all know a ski holiday is mainly about the skiing but the apres and nightlife still play an important part in making your ski holiday fun, social and full of dodgy dance moves.

The live bands and artists around Courchevel are some of the best. I caught up with Al Jones who livens up crowds with his acoustic guitar and quirky remixes of popular songs. His first album 'Come Alive' came out a few months ago and he recently debuted on BBC Radio 2. Al tells me a little bit about playing music in Courchevel and his future plans.

Meet the locals in Courchevel - Al Jones

Self-made music man

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your music - how did you start out and where are you based?
I started out playing in Plymouth with two friends, Ben and Aza. We started a band called AlBenAza (see what we did there?!). We took the show on the road and ended up in the French Alps every winter for a few years.

How long have you been singing and writing your own music?
I've been singing for over 10 years and writing for about the same time, with varying degrees of success!

What is your favourite song to cover?
This changes on a weekly basis. At the moment it's ‘Hallelujah I Love Her So’ by Ray Charles.

What are your professional goals for the future?
I released an album in 2017 called Come Alive. I plan to tour Europe in the spring with my band to continue to promote that album. In the future, more albums, more touring.

What are the best bits about your job? And the worst bits?
The best bits... again, the people, the buzz of a great gig. The worst bit? Driving home alone through a foot of fresh snow at 02:00. Haha.

How did it feel to your own music being played on UK national radio?
It feels amazing! All my own songs were played by Tom Robinson on BBC 6 Music and La Nuit was played by Dermot O’Leary on BBC Radio 2. I really didn't expect any of it.

Al Jones: Musician

Playing music in the Alps

What is your favourite venue to perform at? Do you prefer playing apres or evening session?
In Courchevel, I love playing La Boulotte every Monday apres. I've been playing there for a few years and Katie has been really supportive of my original music. The atmosphere is just great. Every Wednesday evening, I play La Taiga in La Tania. It consistently goes off and it's great fun.

What makes this destination a special place to be for someone in your profession?
The lifestyle is like nowhere else. I love skiing, I love music but it's the people that make it. There are so many great people here.

Can you recommend any other local bands to see?
Daisy B and Tom, The Mardy Johnny Depps and, of course, Bring Your Sisters if you're going big! Bubble and Crisp are a must if you like a bit of house music.

What do you do in the low season?
More music! I normally tour original music at either end of the season. Either playing my own music or touring with friends like Marc O'Reilly.

What has been your best day ever in Courchevel?
Any day skiing with friends. This year there's been so much fresh snow, it's been awesome.

Le Rond Point Restaurant, Meribel restaurant terrasse

Top tips from a local

What's your favourite insider tip for Courchevel?
When there's good snow, skiing in 1650 is always quiet and cruisy then lunch at the Boulotte for Lamb Kofta.

What's your favourite thing to do in Courchevel when you're not performing?
Did I mention skiing? That’s why we're here after all!

Which is your favourite apres ski bar?
Sorry to bang on about it, but I love the Boulotte and not just because I play there! I often go to the Rond Point over in Meribel too. Ski Lodge in La Tania is great for apres too.

If someone was coming here for the first time, what would you suggest the absolutely, must do or see in Courchevel?
Ski everywhere! The whole 3 Valleys. Then if its bad weather, Aquamotion.

Do you ski or snowboard? And what's your favourite run in Courchevel?
I ski. My favourite run is probably Bouc Blanc through to Folyeres from the top of Col de la Loze.

If you could impart one lasting piece of advice or words of wisdom to our readers, what would it be?
If you want to do a season anywhere. Just do it. You're never too old or too young and you won't regret it.

If you want to catch Al Jones playing around Courchevel, then head to La Boulotte in Courchevel Moriond on Mondays for apres or La Taiga in La Tania on Wednesdays from 22:00 for an evening of singing and dancing.