Laurence Jones is back with his third studio album, What’s It Gonna Be, on Ruf Records.
Last year, Laurence Jones picked up the much coveted “Young Artist of the Year” accolade at the British Blues Awards as well as representing his country in the European Blues Challenge. Over the last twelve months Laurence’s extensive touring schedule has seen him pick up high-profile support slots and wowing audiences across the UK with the likes of Kenny Wayne Shepherd and King King, as well as touring Europe as part of the Ruf Records Blues Caravan tour.
What’s It Gonna Be was recorded last year at Headline Music Studios in Cambridge and features Laurence’s core touring band of bassist/co-producer Roger Inniss and drummer Miri Miettinen alongside keys men Jools Grudgings and Lewis Stephens, and backing vocalist SJ Mortimer.
The album is a packed full of catchy blues-rock tracks like the title track “What’s It Gonna Be,” “Don’t Need No Reason,” and “Touch Your Moonlight.”
“Evil” is a straight up ballsy blues number, whereby Laurence demonstrates why he is so highly regarded in the guitar world. Jones has great tone and a superb appreciation of space.
Laurence highlights the deeper side of his songwriting with the phenomenal heartfelt number, “Don’t Look Back,” which features the sublime vocals of Sandi Thom, and some wonderful harmonies. The pair complement one another very well.
Sandi Thom is not the only special guest on the album as Ruf Records label mate Dana Fuchs joins forces with Jones for a brilliant cover of the Bad Company classic “Can’t Get Enough.” Fuchs adds some powerful yet soulful vocals to the track.
The album is brought to a close with a good old fashioned rock and roll number “Stop Moving The House,” a song about the trials and tribulations of trying to get home after a having a bit too much to drink.
All around a great blues rock album from the one of the UK’s finest bluesmen. A bright future is ahead for Laurence Jones.