0:00:00 > 0:00:00- .
0:00:01 > 0:00:07- Four Cardigan friends burst onto the - Welsh music scene in the 1980s...
0:00:07 > 0:00:10- ..with their innovative - and adventurous music.
0:00:11 > 0:00:16- Twenty five years later and we mark - the group's birthday and success...
0:00:16 > 0:00:22- ..by looking back at their amazing - experiences and close friendships.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27- We relive the journey - of Brychan, Chris, Emyr and Owen...
0:00:27 > 0:00:30- ..otherwise known as Jess.
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- Let's start at the very beginning - and Cardigan school.
0:00:38 > 0:00:41- Emyr and Brychan, you were good - friends in the same school year.
0:00:42 > 0:00:44- Why did you decide to make music?
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Brychan?
0:00:47 > 0:00:51- I don't want to say that it was out - of boredom in our Welsh lessons...
0:00:52 > 0:00:56- ..but that's always my first memory - when I look back at that time.
0:00:56 > 0:01:02- It was cooler to be in a rock band - as opposed to triple Welsh!
0:01:02 > 0:01:07- Sorry Mr Jenkins - because you were a great teacher...
0:01:07 > 0:01:11- ..but you are responsible - for the formation of Jess.
0:01:12 > 0:01:13- Thank you, Mr Jenkins.
0:01:14 > 0:01:19- You were a year older and could - play the guitar properly, Chris.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- Yes, and I was far more mature!
0:01:22 > 0:01:28- The only reason they let me join - was because I had a Fender guitar.
0:01:29 > 0:01:32- Emyr and I were awful - but Chris could really play...
0:01:33 > 0:01:37- ..so all of sudden, - we sounded like a proper band.
0:01:37 > 0:01:43- Chris had spent so many years - playing along to U2 in his bedroom.
0:01:43 > 0:01:48- You started singing in English - and had an English name.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51- Yes, we were The Unbearable Fardels.
0:01:51 > 0:01:53- Yes, we were The Unbearable Fardels.- - It isn't that much better than Jess!
0:01:54 > 0:01:55- Why sing in English?
0:02:02 > 0:02:06- I don't think we knew about - the Welsh music scene.
0:02:06 > 0:02:10- We knew about Ail Symudiad - and the Fflach record label...
0:02:10 > 0:02:14- ..but it was a mystery world to us.
0:02:14 > 0:02:17- I told them that - if they performed in Welsh...
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- ..Radio Cymru - would play their music.
0:02:21 > 0:02:26- You can tell - when someone has talent.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- There was something unusual - about the band...
0:02:30 > 0:02:33- ..so I invited them - to record a session.
0:02:34 > 0:02:38- It's where you met Owen. You worked - there as a technician, Owen.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43- What do you remember about meeting - these three for the first time?
0:02:43 > 0:02:49- Not a lot really, but I remember - being in the front room of Fflach.
0:02:50 > 0:02:54- You had another drummer - and he couldn't make the session...
0:02:55 > 0:03:00- ..so I filled in on the drums - and it was all downhill from there!
0:03:02 > 0:03:06- With the band in place - and the demo ready...
0:03:06 > 0:03:10- ..it was time to create - the first cassette.
0:03:10 > 0:03:13- # Coming down... #
0:03:14 > 0:03:20- Jess, Jess, the first album was - made in the cow-house at Crymych.
0:03:22 > 0:03:27- The boys were in the shed and the - mixing desk was in the cow-house.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- They played live - and put everything down in one take.
0:03:31 > 0:03:35- We made the tapes straight after it.
0:03:37 > 0:03:42- The cassette was done and the band - was ready to announce their arrival.
0:03:43 > 0:03:48- Jess was launched on the - Eisteddfod Maes in Newport in 1988.
0:03:48 > 0:03:54- Fortunately, Hubert managed - the sound system of the rock tent.
0:03:55 > 0:03:59- They arrived and slept in the lorry - outside the tent.
0:04:00 > 0:04:05- If there was a break in the day, - Jess stepped up and performed.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- I'm sure they performed every day, - if not twice a day...
0:04:10 > 0:04:14- ..and people at the Eisteddfod - enjoyed listening to them.
0:04:20 > 0:04:22- Following the success - of the cassette...
0:04:23 > 0:04:27- ..and your performances in the rock - tent at the Newport Eisteddfod...
0:04:27 > 0:04:32- ..you were invited to Czechoslovakia - to record with 9 aged only 18.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36- It's quite amazing. - Yes, it was truly amazing.
0:04:37 > 0:04:43- A van was waiting for us - when we arrived at the airport.
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- It took us - to the Palace of Culture...
0:04:46 > 0:04:51- ..where an audience of 2,500 people - were waiting to see us perform.
0:04:51 > 0:04:56- We'd only ever performed on the - farmyard or 18th birthday parties.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01- We arrived and they asked us - to be the headline act.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06- Chris, Emyr, Owen, Brychan - o Britanie - Jess!
0:05:06 > 0:05:11- # The spirit of the day is rising
0:05:12 > 0:05:14- # The spirit ... #
0:05:15 > 0:05:18- With Six gigs - and four video shoots for S4C...
0:05:19 > 0:05:22- ..in the safe hands - of Geraint Jarman and Byw...
0:05:23 > 0:05:25- ..the band was going - from strength to strength.
0:05:25 > 0:05:28- # The day #
0:05:31 > 0:05:36- I'm sure Czechoslovakia gave you - a real taster for performing...
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- ..and gave you the desire - to become a real band.
0:05:41 > 0:05:47- We thought we'd made it. We'd been - on tour and we were still in school.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49- And you'd worked - with Geraint Jarman.
0:05:50 > 0:05:52- Yes, he was the man.
0:05:52 > 0:05:55- As Emyr said, - we were still in school...
0:05:56 > 0:06:00- ..but were mixing with - proper musicians and going on tour.
0:06:01 > 0:06:06- We respected and wanted to be them - but they were streets ahead of us!
0:06:06 > 0:06:11- In 1989, you recorded - your second cassette, Y Gath...
0:06:12 > 0:06:17- ..this time in a proper recording - studio as opposed to a shed.
0:06:17 > 0:06:20- Had Jess developed in that year?
0:06:20 > 0:06:24- Yes, we had new songs - and a full set.
0:06:24 > 0:06:28- Chris and Brych' had composed - the songs and we'd rehearsed them.
0:06:29 > 0:06:34- We went into Fflach - and made the cassette very quickly.
0:06:34 > 0:06:35- Did we?
0:06:35 > 0:06:37- Did we?- - Don't you remember?
0:06:38 > 0:06:42- The archive footage makes me realise - how little I remember.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- I remember we ran a cat over - on the way to the studio...
0:06:47 > 0:06:49- ..which is why the album - became known as Y Gath.
0:06:50 > 0:06:51- Is that true?
0:06:51 > 0:06:54- Is that true?- - Yes. We didn't kill it on purpose!
0:06:55 > 0:07:00- In 1989, Jess won three awards - at the Cytgord awards.
0:07:01 > 0:07:07- Yes, we had best band, best lead - singer and best cassette for Y Gath.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- Did it boost your confidence?
0:07:11 > 0:07:15- We were up there anyway, but it - proved to everyone we were the best.
0:07:16 > 0:07:21- Yes, it's nice to get - some recognition.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22- Yes.
0:07:23 > 0:07:27- # Wah-ah-ah
0:07:27 > 0:07:30- # Wah-ah-ah... #
0:07:31 > 0:07:35- It was confirmation - that the public had accepted Jess...
0:07:36 > 0:07:40- ..so they returned to the studio - once again.
0:07:40 > 0:07:45- By 1990, when you released the - masterpiece, Hyfryd I Fod Yn Fyw...
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- ..some say that you'd really - found your sound as a band.
0:07:51 > 0:07:53- Did you feel the same?
0:07:53 > 0:07:59- I think we preferred - some of our later recordings.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03- I think that's only natural...
0:08:04 > 0:08:10- ..because you evolve - as a musician and composer...
0:08:10 > 0:08:14- ..but I still think some - of the early stuff was good.
0:08:15 > 0:08:17- # Woah, oh-oh-oh-oh
0:08:17 > 0:08:19- # Woah
0:08:20 > 0:08:24- # She's perfect, perfect... #
0:08:24 > 0:08:30- I think we were firing - on all cylinders during the 1990s.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- During Y Gath - and Hyfryd I Fod Yn Fyw...
0:08:33 > 0:08:36- ..Jess was a group of nice boys - from Cardigan.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40- As we got older, - we became more rock 'n roll.
0:08:40 > 0:08:44- What's your favourite song - out of all your work?
0:08:44 > 0:08:48- We were looking through - our archives the other day.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- It was quite recently.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54- It was very funny to see the clothes - and hair...
0:08:54 > 0:08:59- ..but we found a song - that none of us remember recording.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02- It was never released.
0:09:02 > 0:09:04- It's called Bachan Bach - and it was fantastic.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08- It's as if someone else - had written it.
0:09:08 > 0:09:10- # Little boy stands apart
0:09:11 > 0:09:13- # Little boy is lonely
0:09:13 > 0:09:15- # What's wrong, little boy?
0:09:15 > 0:09:18- # Little boy, don't be foolish
0:09:18 > 0:09:22- # Don't be anything - you don't want to be
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- # Things that will come, - things that are yet to arrive
0:09:26 > 0:09:29- # Scenes we cannot see
0:09:29 > 0:09:32- # The small wings will fly forth
0:09:33 > 0:09:36- # "Come to hell," - says the voice in my head
0:09:36 > 0:09:39- # Little boy, grow up, go away
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- # Why?
0:09:43 > 0:09:47- # Why don't you grow up - you foolish little boy?
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- # Why not?
0:09:51 > 0:09:56- # Why not?
0:09:58 > 0:10:04- # Why not?
0:10:07 > 0:10:12- # Little boy
0:10:13 > 0:10:18- # Why not?
0:10:22 > 0:10:27- # Things that will come, - things that are yet to arrive
0:10:27 > 0:10:30- # Scenes we cannot see
0:10:30 > 0:10:34- # The small wings will fly forth
0:10:34 > 0:10:40- # "Come to hell"
0:10:43 > 0:10:48- # Why not?
0:10:51 > 0:10:56- # Little boy
0:10:57 > 0:11:02- # Why not? #
0:11:03 > 0:11:03- .
0:11:08 > 0:11:10- Subtitles
0:11:14 > 0:11:18- By 1992, Jess had released - another album called Paris Hotel...
0:11:18 > 0:11:20- ..on their own label.
0:11:20 > 0:11:25- The group think its their best work - but not everyone agreed.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29- # This is something - safe and secure
0:11:29 > 0:11:33- # It will end before you say, "Amen"
0:11:33 > 0:11:38- # Keep faith in the belly #
0:11:47 > 0:11:49- You split the audience.
0:11:50 > 0:11:56- People loved Jess whilst others - admired your musicality.
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- But they also hated us!
0:12:01 > 0:12:07- Your songs were too good and too - clever both musically and vocally.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11- Was it difficult to accept - that kind of criticism?
0:12:12 > 0:12:16- It didn't hurt me personally - but it could be quite sterile...
0:12:17 > 0:12:20- ..because we rehearsed - for five days a week.
0:12:20 > 0:12:24- A lot of the songs - were too clever.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- We were trying to be clever.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31- We weren't cool - but we were popular.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35- When a band is popular, - people want to criticise you.
0:12:36 > 0:12:40- You rehearsed and rehearsed, - but where was that?
0:12:40 > 0:12:43- It was a room above the cowshed - on Penlan farm.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48- It became more than a rehearsal - room but a place to socialise.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- We were there every day and night - until the early hours.
0:12:53 > 0:12:54- But it showed.
0:12:55 > 0:12:58- People didn't like the fact - that we were so tight.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- When we did something, - we all did it together.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- # Who is rich?
0:13:07 > 0:13:10- # It's not me and it's not you
0:13:10 > 0:13:13- # Who is paying?
0:13:14 > 0:13:17- # It's not me and it's not you #
0:13:18 > 0:13:23- Do you remember the set-up when - it came to composing your songs?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- In terms of - some of our best songs...
0:13:28 > 0:13:33- ..I would devise the melody - for a verse and chorus.
0:13:34 > 0:13:40- Brychan brought a missing chorus - or verse to the table...
0:13:40 > 0:13:43- ..and he composed the lyrics.
0:13:43 > 0:13:49- My only regret is that I wasn't - willing to listen to others...
0:13:51 > 0:13:55- ..because I thought - my way was the best.
0:13:55 > 0:14:00- This often happens in bands because - your songs are like your children.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04- You want them to turn out - as you see them in your head...
0:14:05 > 0:14:09- ..but it takes time to learn - that this isn't always the case.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12- Sometimes, one of us composed - an entire song.
0:14:13 > 0:14:18- I don't think it had the same spark - as when we'd co-written something.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22- It wasn't formulaic and there was - no telling who would do what.
0:14:22 > 0:14:27- Chris and I often - produced something.
0:14:28 > 0:14:33- Emyr and Owen frequently say - that they didn't compose...
0:14:33 > 0:14:37- ..but they did in their own way.
0:14:37 > 0:14:43- Owen had rhythmic ideas - that would transform a song.
0:14:45 > 0:14:48- I thought it sounded good - a certain way...
0:14:48 > 0:14:53- ..but Owen would play a rhythm - that worked as a counterpoint...
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- ..and you realised - that it was meant to be that way.
0:15:00 > 0:15:03- Four albums later, and against - the wishes of their fans...
0:15:04 > 0:15:06- ..they made - a controversial decision.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11- You chose to return to singing - in English. Why was that, Chris?
0:15:11 > 0:15:15- We were bilingual - because we still sang in Welsh.
0:15:16 > 0:15:22- We were ambitious and wanted - to make a living out of music.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- We had to acknowledge - that within the Welsh rock scene...
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- ..it wasn't possible to make - a living out of it for life.
0:15:33 > 0:15:39- We had to decide whether we were - going to try for the big time...
0:15:40 > 0:15:43- ..so we had to give it a shot.
0:15:43 > 0:15:47- There was also the feeling - of wanting to extend our audience.
0:15:47 > 0:15:49- If the Welsh enjoyed our music...
0:15:49 > 0:15:53- ..why wouldn't the English-speaking - world enjoy our music too?
0:15:54 > 0:15:58- # I'd hate to be affected by - the actions of the addicted youth
0:15:59 > 0:16:05- # The whole world - is surfing on a bad pink vibe
0:16:06 > 0:16:12- # The whole world - is surfing on a bad pink vibe #
0:16:14 > 0:16:17- Jess was last step - before you had Cool Cymru...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..before Catatonia - and Super Furries.
0:16:20 > 0:16:25- They were a class act - with great songs.
0:16:26 > 0:16:31- Their songs - are so musical and different.
0:16:32 > 0:16:37- It's a shame the world didn't - see this but there's still time!
0:16:38 > 0:16:40- I don't think we opened - the floodgates...
0:16:41 > 0:16:46- ..but we were the first over the top - and took all the flack...
0:16:47 > 0:16:51- ..so it was easier for them - to follow suit.
0:16:53 > 0:16:56- After recording the English album, - Sextravaganja...
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- ..they received a number of offers - from many London record companies.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04- All the contracts are on the table.
0:17:05 > 0:17:07- The solicitors can sort it out...
0:17:08 > 0:17:11- ..but we haven't - signed on the dotted line yet.
0:17:12 > 0:17:17- I feel as if six years of hard work - have come to a fore.
0:17:18 > 0:17:20- Which label?
0:17:20 > 0:17:21- Which label?- - Rhythm King.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- Why didn't you sign the contract?
0:17:29 > 0:17:32- I know why. It's one - of the things I do remember.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35- Rhythm King had two directors...
0:17:36 > 0:17:39- ..Adele Nozedar - and Richard something or other!
0:17:39 > 0:17:41- Adele believed in the group...
0:17:42 > 0:17:48- ..but Richard couldn't see - how they could sell or market Jess.
0:17:48 > 0:17:51- He wasn't sure of our genre.
0:17:51 > 0:17:57- He couldn't see where our records - would sit in the shops.
0:17:57 > 0:18:03- Perhaps he was right, but it wasn't - meant to be so we went to Italy!
0:18:05 > 0:18:10- After Italy, you performed with - Mike Peters as The Poets of Justice.
0:18:11 > 0:18:16- Did this play a part - in the disbanding of Jess?
0:18:16 > 0:18:18- It played a big part.
0:18:18 > 0:18:23- If you put Jess on stage - with another strong front man...
0:18:23 > 0:18:29- ..I was left as a spare part - and felt bitter and lost interest.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34- Mike needed a good guitarist, - a good drummer and bass player...
0:18:34 > 0:18:36- ..and he got that.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- I saw it as - the beginning of the end.
0:18:41 > 0:18:47- I respect Mike because he's formed - a career in music where I failed.
0:18:49 > 0:18:52- I think it was definitely - the beginning of the end for me.
0:18:53 > 0:18:57- You disbanded in 1995, but - how do you look back at the period?
0:18:57 > 0:19:02- Do you feel you achieved everything - you wanted to achieve as a band?
0:19:02 > 0:19:05- No, we wanted a career in music...
0:19:06 > 0:19:10- ..so that we didn't have to get - a proper job.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15- We failed in that respect, but - I wouldn't change a second of it.
0:19:15 > 0:19:18- No, we had fun.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21- If we'd done more of my arrangements - instead of your own...
0:19:22 > 0:19:25- ..then I'm sure it would've been - quite different!
0:19:25 > 0:19:28- After disbanding, the members - followed their own projects...
0:19:29 > 0:19:33- ..and Jess fell silent for six years - until Bryn Terfel made a call...
0:19:33 > 0:19:37- ..and invited them to perform - at the Faenol Festival in 2001.
0:19:38 > 0:19:43- # When the rain is coming down, - faces fall to the floor
0:19:44 > 0:19:50- # I'll be at your side - to accept your faith and pure love
0:19:50 > 0:19:54- # When the rain is coming down
0:19:54 > 0:19:58- # Ba, ba-ba-ba-ba #
0:19:59 > 0:20:01- How are going to celebrate - next year?
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- How will you mark the milestone of - 25 years since Jess' first cassette?
0:20:07 > 0:20:10- There's certainly going to be - a few gigs next year.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14- We've already confirmed that we're - playing at the Cnapan in March...
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- ..and probably the Eisteddfod - and I'd like to release something.
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- We've got a lot of demos of songs - that were never released.
0:20:23 > 0:20:27- There could an album, Jess 25, - so 25 songs including our best hits.
0:20:28 > 0:20:29- 25?
0:20:30 > 0:20:34- I'm sure we've got 25 songs - so keep your eyes peeled!
0:20:34 > 0:20:37- It's been a pleasure talking - to all four of you.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41- Thank you for the music - and a happy birthday to Jess!
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- # I want a show on S4C
0:21:02 > 0:21:05- # But they never phone me
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- # They are just like the BBC
0:21:09 > 0:21:13- # Channel 5 and HTV
0:21:14 > 0:21:17- # I want to be a luvvie
0:21:17 > 0:21:21- # And call everyone lovely
0:21:21 > 0:21:24- # I want a show on the telly
0:21:25 > 0:21:29- # To prove how lush I can be
0:21:29 > 0:21:33- # Oh, c-c-c-c-c-c-come on
0:21:33 > 0:21:36- # I want a lot of attention
0:21:36 > 0:21:41- # Moo-v-v-v-v-v-v-ing on
0:21:41 > 0:21:44- # Instead of nothing at all
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- # Oh, c-c-c-c-c-c-come on
0:21:49 > 0:21:52- # It's gone
0:21:52 > 0:21:56- # Like breaking wind in a breeze
0:21:56 > 0:22:00- # Like breaking wind in a breeze
0:22:01 > 0:22:04- # In a breeze
0:22:09 > 0:22:12- # Youtube is the future
0:22:13 > 0:22:16- # There are no boundaries on Youtube
0:22:17 > 0:22:20- # Go and see me on Youtube
0:22:21 > 0:22:24- # The future has begun
0:22:24 > 0:22:29- # Oh, c-c-c-c-c-c-come on
0:22:29 > 0:22:32- # I want a lot of attention
0:22:32 > 0:22:36- # Moo-v-v-v-v-v-v-ing on
0:22:36 > 0:22:39- # Instead of nothing at all
0:22:39 > 0:22:44- # Oh, c-c-c-c-c-c-come on
0:22:44 > 0:22:47- # It's gone
0:22:48 > 0:22:51- # Like breaking wind in a breeze
0:22:52 > 0:22:55- # Like breaking wind in a breeze
0:22:55 > 0:22:59- # Like breaking wind in a breeze
0:23:04 > 0:23:08- # Oh, flippin' heck, it's gone
0:23:08 > 0:23:13- # Goodness me, it's just gone
0:23:13 > 0:23:18- # Flippin' heck, it's gone
0:23:19 > 0:23:24- # Ohhh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh #
0:23:29 > 0:23:30- Thank you and goodnight!
0:23:31 > 0:23:35- # God, please give me a guitar, - like Julia the Guitar
0:23:36 > 0:23:40- # Standing on the square - just like a man who doesn't care
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- # God, please give me a guitar, - like Julia the guitar
0:23:46 > 0:23:52- # Standing on the square - just like a man who doesn't care #
0:23:56 > 0:23:57- S4C Subtitles by Tinopolis
0:23:58 > 0:23:58- .