After the band split up in June 1996, he played in Deadstar with Caroline Kennedy and Nick Seymour, but did not return to Crowded House when they re-formed in 2006 about a year after Hester's death.
Led by Jamie Fielding (keyboard), Michael Sheridan (guitar), Gavan Dunn (Sax) and James Boddington (Bass) the band was making original music influenced by industrial and independent rock groups.
[7] Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described the new ensemble: "Few alternative bands of the day could ever hope to match that line-up for muscular bravado and sheer instrumental firepower".
[4][7] McFarlane felt it was "another strong release with a more varied approach (rock, blues and soul influences mixed with The Band-like country elements)".
[7] As a member of Harem Scarem Jones co-wrote 12 of their tracks including three singles, "Hard Rain" (September 1986), "Miracle Mile" (June 1987) and "Long Time Between Drinks" (December 1988).
[10] Jones played with Ross Hannaford, Rowland S. Howard, Lisa Miller, Kate Ceberano,[4] Tinpan Orange,[11] Freakpower and David Hosking.
[4][13] Jones' performance was recorded and appears on the group's live album of the concert, Farewell to the World (November 2006).
[15] On the related DVD, founding lead vocalist, Neil Finn, mentions that Jones was a school teacher.