Laurence Jones Band – Laurence Jones

The start of the album was a little surprising as it was the first time I had listened to Laurence Jones, although he has been on the scene for some years now. I had expected to hear a “blues”- rock band right from the off, but “Everything Is Gonna Be Alright” was an eye opener. More rock than blues, it was a nice enough start to any group’s album, but for me it distracted me a little from what I really expected to hear, i.e. Blues Rock. I’ll let you decide how it makes you feel, I can only say how it felt to me. Not much about this song really blew me away though and found it pretty mainstream.

Track two “Wipe Those Tears Dry”, was pretty much in the same vein. A pleasant enough song, with a good sound reminiscent of Santana. Some nice solo lead guitar licks, and use of the Hammond organ, but it’s still not getting my blues rock juice’s flowing yet.

Arrrr! Track four “Stay”, and now we’re getting somewhere. This was again, an enjoyable enough rock track, with more of a blues feel embedded into the song. The use of keyboards giving it that retro 70’s feel, a foot tapper at last. Good vocals as to be expected from Laurence, he has voice that suites this genre perfectly.

Moving onto track five on the CD and YES! Now we’re in the right place. “Mistreated” has a great blues riff atmosphere. This one got me sitting up and listening. A good feel to it, great vibes, and I loved the reverb created by the lead. This one is a winner with a little Hendrix thrown into the mix to make it memorable. I just wished it could have been a little longer. You just start to get into the zone with this, and then it’s over. Along with “Quite Like You” (next song on the CD) I was tapping my feet from the first beat of the drum. A slow heavy rhythm which then opens up into lively little number. The great use of the backing vocals lifted this to a higher level, and again the lead guitar was class! Blues-Rock as I like to hear it played. I actually listened to this song about 6 times over.

“Long Long Lonely Ride” This is the best track of the album so far for me. I loved the way they got the feel of the old-style blues guitar complemented by a piano and a steady drum base beat. Good lyrics and Laurence’s vocals completed a real decent track. I’m sure your neck hairs will stand up when you hear this baby.

Now this next song, number 8 on the album, called “Beautiful Place” is a song I’d love be driving along to on the sunny Californian coast road, or even down the A38 in Devon! An open top car, with your best girl by your side, and not a care in the world. The relaxed and kicked back feel was not unlike something you’d expect to hear from the likes of Mr Eric Clapton and co. It had some nice pleasant riffs; a great tempo and a story you can follow with easy lyrics you could learn pretty quickly. I did like the use of the electric organ again, giving this song that mellow chilled out vibe that I like so much.

I didn’t quite get why “Day Tripper” was in there, but I guess…. Why the f**k not?!! Rocked up a little, with plenty of extra grunt. It wasn’t unpleasant, just not what I expected!

“Heart Is On Fire” just didn’t feel to be in the right place on this album really. More of a funk-disco-rock track. Dare I say a bit like? (ducks my head) Take That?  (Ouch!)

“The Love” A rock love story track. The kind of song you could get at the end of the night at a wedding reception. Grab a girl, or guy, and sway about! It’s a decent enough song, but again, it didn’t get my blues rock juice’s flowing

It’s a good enough album, and you can tell the guys had worked hard on this, but at times I felt it seemed to be a little lost. I think that’s the right word to use here. Most of the songs were good and I did enjoy them. But for me personally, it was a bit too mixed up, and at times felt confusing with the differing styles. Maybe I’m just getting old and need to get out more? But if I want to listen to a blues rock album that’s what I want to hear, Blues Rock. I would say without hesitation that “Beautiful Place” and “Mistreated” were the highlights of the album for me. They had everything I like to hear in a chilled bluesy rock song. Worth a listen? I’d say so!

Track List: 

1. Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
2. Wipe Those Tears Dry
3. I’m waiting
4. Stay
5. Mistreated
6. Quite Like You
7. Long Long Lonely Ride
8. Beautiful Place
9. Low Down
10. Day Tripper
11. Heart Is On Fire
12. The Love

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