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. 

St. Paul and the Broken Bones - North Liberty Blues and BBQ Festival - 2016

Photos © 2016 by Phillip Smith

Hector Anchondo Band - North Liberty Blues and BBQ Festival - 2016

Photos © 2016 by Phillip Smith

Voice of Cedar Lake live at Irish District Music and Arts Festival 6/18/16

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

By Phillip Smith; June 19, 2016

Blue skies and warm weather set the perfect stage for a day of music and relaxation at the seventh annual Irish District Music and Arts Festival, which took place on June 18th.  The Voice of Cedar Lake, composed of guitarist Craig Erickson, vocalist Alicia Strong, bassist John Hall, keyboardist Tom “T-Bone” Giblin, and drummer Jon Wilson took the stage first, opening up for the great Eric Gales. 

Erickson kicked things off with one of my favorite songs from his Sky Train Galaxy album, “Mojo in Memphis”.  Soon afterwards the band broke out the funk and tore into a groovy performance of Rufus and Chaka Kahn’s “Tell Me Something Good”.  Strong’s vocals were powerful and perfect.  Strong belted out more sweet and soulful vocals as the band doled out a rousing cover of Buddy Mile’s “Them Changes”.  I loved the bluesy spin they put on the Bob Marley classic “No Woman No Cry”, as well as the clever mash-up with the Five Stairsteps’ 1970 top-ten hit “O-o-h Child”.  Delbert McClinton’s “Standing on Shaky Ground” was a real treat, highlighted by an outstanding performance by Hall on his seven string bass, and Giblin on organ.  Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground” immediately followed, keeping the groove afloat and the audience on cloud nine. 

  

Watching these musicians in action makes me proud to live in a community which not only has a wealth of great talent, but through appreciation of live music, is able to retain these talented artists we get so much enjoyment from.         

All Photos by Phillip Smith

Craig Erickson

Craig Erickson / John Hall

John Hall

Craig Erickson

John Hall / Tom 'T-Bone' Giblin

Alicia Strong

Alicia Strong

Jon Wilson

Voice of Cedar Lake

Alicia Strong

Craig Erickson

Craig Erickson / Alicia Strong

John Hall