Saturday, November 19, 2016

Laurence Jones - Take Me High


2016 –  Ruf Records
By Phillip Smith; Nov. 19, 2016

Take Me High, the fourth album from British blues artist Laurence Jones, is downright spectacular.  After being awarded Best European Blues Guitarist in 2015, Jones fines himself nominated again for 2016.  Producer-extraordinaire Mike Vernon (John Mayhall, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac) puts his magic touch on the album, making sure the energy levels remain high on this fabulous recording.  Joining Jones is his band composed of bassist Roger Inniss, drummer Phil Wilson, with Bob Fridzema on keyboards and Paul Jones on harmonica. 

Killer beats and lush keys provide the perfect backdrop for Jones’ razor-sharp riffs on “Live It Up”, a monster song which crushes everything in its path.  From the searing beginning to its exciting climax, “Addicted to Your Love” is drenched with emotion.  “Take Me High”, stewed in an electric bluesy goodness is dutifully served with true grit and nice tasty helping of slide.  It is such a great pleasure to hear Jones let loose on a song, like he does on Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground”.  This piece de resistance is ear-candy for the music aficionado. 


I could listen to Take Me High for hours on end.  It is just that good. 



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