Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
The eponymously titled album has a different type of magnetism, of mystique than the one shrouded in the finery of a declared designate; it is the ceremonial dress to which the artist arguably places their trust and their own insignia upon, and which gives a greater insight into the close relationship between the songs and the musician than ever.
Recorded in Miami under the watchful and certain of eye of Producer Gregory Elias, the Laurence Jones Band’s patient two year approach to the album pays off in style, with an energy that is both fascinating and beguiling, the songs that greet the listener are immersed in the autobiography, the acknowledgement that life and art are so entwined that they dare not breathe against the other’s will.
The band, Bennett Holland, Phil Wilson, Greg Smith and of course the delightfully musically enchanting Laurence Jones, have taken great strides in delving into the arena in which the subtly of the Blues takes over and releases a set of pleasures to which the myth of Pandora would have seen had she looked beyond the simplicity of hope as it flew out of her box; she would have noticed the grace of truth, something to which the Laurence Jones Band have held up to the sunlight in this particular album.
Whether it is in the comfort of being with someone who makes life easy, who will stand by your side no matter what, in the freedom of expression and letting go of all that is toxic and cruel or about accepting the challenges that face you with an open mind. It is in this truth that the band steadfastly approach the minefield of honesty and the symbolism of Blues purity. Across songs such as Wipe Those Tears Dry, I’m Waiting, Mistreated, Long Lonely Ride or Heart Is On Fire, the Laurence Jones Band have offered a panoramic viewpoint that is beyond the autobiographical, it is the statement of certainty and legitimacy.
An album of dynamic substance, the Laurence Jones Band have placed themselves squarely in the open and become willing ambassadors of the precision of Blues.
Laurence Jones Band release their eponymously titled album on September 27th on Top Stop Music via Sony.
Ian D. Hall