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.
