In 1998, Jon started an 11-year collaboration with eccentric German composer Juergen Hueholdt. The project, which became known as Juniper, yielded over 100 original songs in the period to 2009. All were recorded in a purpose-built studio in the beautiful German countryside near Bochum. Jon worked as bass player, backing vocalist and arranger alongside producers Norman Dalheimer (Heavytones, Stefan Rabb’s band), Mark Kelser and Preben Raunsbjerg Nielsen (James Burton’s band). Musicians included Clive Jenner (Lenny Kravitz, Groove Armada, The Proclaimmers), Aino Laos, Tim Husung and Kevin Taylor (Ouch!).
To describe the music or pigeon-hole the project to a particular genre is virtually impossible. But the catalogue includes a bit of everything, with lyrics ranging from Greek mythology through spaceships, education philosophy to kids’ lullabies and there are some memorable performances by a host of accomplished musicians. As a testament to Juergen Hueholdt’s eccentricity, none of the material has ever been commercially released, although the sessions still continue to this day.