​MrJordanMrTonks

MrJordanMrTonks is a collaboration between longtime Athens musicians, Tommy Jordan on acoustic guitar and banjo and William Tonks on dobro and electric guitar.  Individually, they could play with anyone, anywhere.  Together, the effortless blend of their wide range of musical experiences and styles results in a synergy that always leaves listeners wanting more.  Their performances reveal a joyful and relaxed musical relationship between two exceptional musicians.  Flagpole Magazine calls them “two of Athens favorite pickers” (11/30/2011).  MrJordanMrTonks self-titled six-song CD was officially released in March, 2013.  Their most recent CD, Troubles, was released in late-2019 - just in time for the pandemic. 

 

Tommy Jordan (guitar, banjo, vocals), well-known in the Athens/Atlanta acoustic music circles, has been performing in Athens and the surrounding area consistently since 1977.  He currently leads the well-established traditional acoustic band, String Theory, but was an integral part of the early-1980s Athens music scene with his roles in Turtle Bay Band and Men in Trees and also as a solo artist. He is the only musician to have performed at all 43 of the Athens Human Rights Festivals, as well as playing at AthFest, the Melting Point, the Georgia Theatre and the 40 Watt Club.  Tommy’s collaboration with William Tonks represents a move away from traditional roots music to high intensity guitar playing and tight harmony vocals. 

 

William Tonks (electric guitar, dobro, vocals) is a fine, fine guitar player when he is not playing screaming and soulful slide on his dobro.  His natural touch on the instruments and his innate feel and love for music gives him the ability to smoothly improvise and adapt to a wide range of styles.  William has steady gigs as the lead guitar player with Bloodkin and the Romper Stompers, but has spent his time in Athens applying his skills in well-known bands as diverse as Redneck GReece De-lux, The Hot Burritos, HorseFeathers, and Barbara Cue.  William has performed at nearly every major venue and festival in the southeast and has a number of CDs to his credit, as well as being a sought-after session musician for many years.  He brings a distinct edge and a catalog of great original songs to the music of MrJordanMrTonks.