Rodeo Jones

Founded by Ben Copland and Graham Plato around 1988, the band originally consisted of Ben Copland and Graham Plato on keyboards together with vocalist Michelle Jones. Their first release was 'Desire' on G&M records co-produced by the band and ex-Fashion member, Mulligan, assisted by Ron Aslan, later of Raw Stylus. The track was an underground success in UK and US clubs, and the band looked destined for greater things. However a fall out between band members led to original vocalist Michelle Jones, being replaced by newcomer Jayne Tretton. Their first release with Jayne was a re-vamped version of 'Desire' called 'Desire 2'. This was championed by London pirate radio stations and was a bigger club hit than the original. The band played Raindance and other dance festivals, to promote this and their next release 'Natural world,' which they hoped to put out on their own label. However, A&M talent scout Bob Masters heard about the band via the underground scene, and introduced them to A&R chief Steve Wolfe. A deal was done, and the band began recording an album. First single on A&M was 'Get Wise,' produced by the band and Nigel Lowis. This came out in original and David Morales mixes. It was subsequently mixed by E-Smoove and Steve 'Silk' Hurley. Next was 'Natural World,' which is a classic, much-loved by Rollo from Faithless, and Paul "Trouble" Anderson. The band followed this with 'Shades of Summer,' with CJ Mackintosh mixes. The last release was 'Aint No Sunshine In The Rain,' backed up with 'Surrender,' a storming soulful house track. An album was due to be released but the band fell out with A&M over promotion, and they parted ways. Jayne Tretton went on to appear on countless records including ones by Suede, James, and Placebo. Graham Plato appears on records by Eternal, The Honeyz, 911, and others as a producer, and keyboard player. Ben Copland is a writer and producer, who has had success in the US, UK and Europe, working with the likes of Beverley Knight, Liberty X, Aaron Carter, and Sita. In the dance field he has the title track to the new Angel City album on Ministry of Sound.