The question asked about his "first" impression of The Beatles, which most-likely meant the very early years. I have a friend who worked for Decca Records in 1962, when they (pre-Ringo) auditioned for a record contract and
Deccca infamously turned them away. They "became" a great band, and I think that's what Jones may have been referring to.
Here's the actual
interview without the commentary and there's lots more. Well worth the read.