Documentary on Faces Likely to Be Released Before Long-Awaited New Album
Kenney Jones recently disclosed that the anticipated new Faces album may not see the light of day this year, but that doesn’t mean that the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band will remain dormant. Jones confirmed that they are currently working on a captivating new documentary about the Faces, utilizing vintage footage captured on handheld video cameras provided to them back in 1972. “It’s never been seen before,” Jones mentioned to The Telegraph, “and there’s some risqué elements in there!”
The long-awaited new album from surviving Faces members Rod Stewart and Ron Wood has been a project in the making for quite some time. Initially, Stewart had mentioned the evaluation of approximately 15 songs – a mixture of classic and new tracks – for potential release. Jones had previously acknowledged having 14 songs in the works. Currently, they are focusing on about 11 tracks, recording intermittently at Mickie Most’s former studio, RAK, situated in North London. Jools Holland, known for his work with Squeeze, has made a guest appearance on one of the songs. Although a release date remains uncertain, Jones has stated, “I can’t see it coming out this year,” adding, “but I can see it coming out next year.” The project has been stalled due to the members’ hectic schedules outside of the Faces. “Everyone’s involved in different activities,” Jones expressed, being the sole surviving member from the earlier Small Faces lineup. “We do bits of recording here and there. Then suddenly, the Stones are back on tour, and Rod’s out again.”
Jones is currently spearheading an extensive reissue campaign of Immediate Records’ archives, a label that he acquired from BMG. Co-founded in 1965 by Rolling Stones co-manager Andrew Loog Oldham, Immediate Records released early singles by artists like Fleetwood Mac, Nico, and John Mayall, among others. Upcoming releases will encompass material from the Small Faces, Steve Marriott’s post-Small Faces band Humble Pie, Keith Richards, and more, all to be featured on Nice Records, a label Jones initiated in the ’90s to raise funds for former Small Faces bandmate Ronnie Lane during his battle with multiple sclerosis.
The Autumn Stone, a retrospective album hastily assembled following the breakup of the Small Faces, is arguably the most unexpected addition to this reissue project. The original double album haphazardly combined single releases, live recordings with added audience ambiance, and tracks from the Small Faces’ unfinished fourth album. Jones is diligently remastering the content, eliminating the artificial crowd noises and supplementing more material to produce an extensive box set. While immersed in this work, Jones has experienced waves of emotions, at times feeling “very emotional, very sad.” Reflecting on the process, Jones noted the absence of his former bandmates Steve Marriott, Ronnie Lane, and Ian McLagan, who passed away in previous years. Despite the bittersweet memories, Jones is determined to preserve the legacy of the Small Faces and honor the camaraderie they once shared. “We had such a short time together, and it’s astonishing what we achieved. So many songs. It’s my responsibility to uphold the catalog, the memory, and the name of the Small Faces,” Jones expressed. “So many people hold it dear, and I want to reciprocate that sentiment.”