Mama Stones Exeter – Live Music – Bar – Mexican Restaurant – Artist Development & Vocal tuition.

The History… of Mama Stones

Founded in 2007 by Music Industry professionals, Wendy and Jonathan Joseph. Conceived from a desire to offer guidance and support to young aspiring artists. In the early days, Mama Stones was solely focused on providing tuition and workshops for young musicians and vocalists. Wendy and Jonathan ran workshops from their home, and offered recording facilities, song writing sessions and vocal tuition.

In 2008 Wendy and Jonathan took the company to Wellington, the primary purpose for the move was to provide a much needed stage for the Artist Development Sessions, however, opportunity led the way and as a result Mama Stones first licensed venue was born and ran alongside the artist development sessions, Music was written, recorded and performed all under one roof. Wendy says ‘ It’s funny how life decides which way things are going to go. I would never have imagined a few years ago that we would be running a live music venue, but it seems that all things have pointed in this direction, and here we are! I suppose I have always loved throwing a good party, and now that is what we do, every day of the week! We wanted to get back to the way things used to be, Music made in the back room and played in the front!’ She adds ‘ I think we’ve done it!! It’s mad, it’s definitely full on, but I do love it.’

Committed to quality Live Music – and providing the same to the customer, an enormous amount of effort is thrown into putting together events listings that will meet the highest of expectations. As well as showcasing exciting new bands and putting on widely followed acts from the South west, under the direction of Jonathan Joseph, Mama Stones has put together its own group of Musicians. Jonathan explains ‘I struggled to find the level of excellence that I am accustomed to and decided that the only way we could proceed was to select the best performers in the region to form the Mama Stone’s House Band.’

Who we are, What we do and Why we do it. The Mama Stones crew…

Wendy Joseph (aka Mama Stone) : Mother of four, with two grandchildren.

More widely known for being the mother of ‘Joss Stone ‘ hence the name Mama Stone’s. Thrown into the music industry in 2003, Wendy traveled the globe with her daughter in a mother /manager role experiencing the music Industry in all its glory.

Co-writer of the Grammy nominated worldwide hit ‘You Had Me’ Wendy has enjoyed writing with many artists and producers, including Joss, Betty wright and Alexandra Burke. With a strong love of live music and a desire to make a difference, Wendy is committed to providing a stage for artists that they enjoy playing on and a venue for the public that they love being in.

Founder Jonathan Joseph; Miami Born, Father or two, two time Grammy award winning musician and Sound engineer. Principle Instrument – Drums

Jonathan has played with many of the world’s greats. Drumming for widely acclaimed artists such as David Sanborn, Pat Methany, Randy Brecker, Ricky Martin during the ‘Livin’ la vida loca’ Tour and of course Mama’s very own Joss Stone during the Soul Sessions Tour.

Running Mama Stones as a married couple, Wendy and Jonathan have pooled their talents to make an unstoppable team. Jonathan, at the helm of all things musical. Jonathan makes it clear

‘With regards to music – I am always serious, I have carefully selected each member of our team, firstly based on their own personal commitment to excellence. I believe that one must possess this quality within in order to impart it either in performance or when teaching.’

It is clear that his world class standards inspire and guide their young artists and ensure the level of music offered to the customer is of the best available.

Wendy, aside from painting anything and everything she can get her hands on, (the hand painted patterns that are present on the walls and furniture are a result of her love of colour and fun) manages the running of the bar and looks after the more mundane but necessary back stage stuff and mothers everyone! Not afraid to get stuck in, she can often be seen pulling a pint or manning the BBQ.

‘We like to lead from the front ‘ says Wendy ‘. ‘We have a great team here at Mama’s we all work hard but we make sure to have some fun while we do’.

Adam Isaac : Events Manager/ Resident Musician/ Mama Stone Artist

Devon born, Guitar and Vocals. Rock Funk

In and around, forging ahead with his own career as a solo artist, Adam does the awesome job of finding and booking the acts for Mama Stones. A supremely talented vocalist and musician with a solid following in the West Country he regularly fronts the House Band. Recently Adam has caught the eye of the Animal brand featuring for them at some of their most prestigious events this year. An enormous talent with fabulous original material.

Leigh Coleman: Mama Stone Artist/ MD House band.

Jazz Guitarist, Bass and Vocals. Soul Funk

Coming from the North, Leigh Moved down to Devon to be part of the Mama Stone’s Family in 2008. Now signed to Mama Stones as a recording artist, In addition to recording his own material for his debut album in Miami in the early part of 2010 Leigh has taken on the responsibility of M.D for the House Band.

Leigh is a huge talent and a musical legend in the making . Often fronting the House Band, Leigh also supported Joss Stone and Solomon Burke at Mama Stones for an extra special audience with the Legendary King and our very own Joss Stone in July of this year.

Kat Savage : Professional Singer, Head of Artist Development/ Vocal Coach and Resident vocalist for the House band

 

Gemma Bott : Proffesional Singer/ Vocal Coach / Resident Vocalist For House Band

Gemma is the newest addition to our team, and we are lucky to have her. Her years of experience in the industry and her massive voice make her a perfect coach for vocalists wanting to stretch their abilities to the full. As well as taking vocal lessons Gemma graces the House band as the featured vocalist twice a month.

 

Richard H : I T & Social Media Manager & deputy bar Manager

Our very own Neo!

Ritchie is responsible for Mama Stone’s on-line presence and social Media. In addition to being terribly clever ( Wendy has dubbed him Neo – because she is sure he must be plugged into the matrix!!), Ritchie moves like a cheetah behind the bar.