Review by Col Palmer for MPM
Launching his own label, Ron Records, in loving memory of his Grandad, this debut solo acoustic album in many ways marks a return to Laurence’s roots, back to where it all began with just his classical guitar. The style here is more traditionally focused, paying homage to blues greats such as Robert Johnson and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
This is a recording of gritty, unadorned blues and Jones genuinely delivers the goods. On My Own really gets moving and takes off into high-octane territory, even though the subject matter is the blues, when the album finishes you can’t help but feel inspired and elated. When the blues is done well, it’s still one of the most emotional, enthralling and evocative styles of music to listen to, and Laurence Jones is pleading its case splendidly.
Whether he is thinking of giving up, pondering about the life he made or extolling the virtues of changing his ways, Jones is always fully committed to a strong blues line and his salient storytelling talent.
The opening track “One Life” sets the standard for what is to follow; brilliant slide guitar work and heartfelt lyrics combine to deliver an outstanding album from a remarkable musician.
“Life I Made” picks up the pace declaring that life’s mistakes are virtually inevitable so learn from them. The spirited 12 bar stomp “Ain’t Coming Back No More” and “Change My Ways” demonstrates a weighty tip of the hat to blues rock, elsewhere “I Gave My Life To You” favours a slower time signature once again showcasing impressive playing.
Throughout the entire album Jones displays a fresh perspective and a newfound maturity that perhaps hadn’t previously been fully developed, the desolate slow burning “Middle Of The Night” sounds economical yet remains enthralling.
He also expresses emotion with a vocal style that at times has him sounding like a vintage back porch bluesman, especially on songs such as “Get Back Up” and the title track “On My Own”, both of which are finely embellished with more conventional trappings in a well-seasoned template.
His vocals at points are typical of the blues genre, heartfelt and passionate, but his is a distinctive and powerful voice that suits slow lonesome numbers as well as his more uplifting blues tracks. Laurence Jones holds nothing back, he’s on a journey and is clearly totally committed to the music, and that’s precisely as it should be with all great artists.
Album OUT NOW on all platforms HERE
LAURENCE JONES – SOLO TOUR 2026
JAN 23 – London, PizzaExpress Live Holborn
JAN 31 – Llandudno, The Motorsport Lounge
FEB 6 – Edinburgh, Bannermans
FEB 7 – Newcastle, The Cluny 2
FEB 15 – Worcester, The Marrs Bar
FEB 21 – Bridport, Arts Centre
FEB 26 – Oxford, The Bullingdon
MARCH 4 – Arnhem, Luxur Live (NL)
MARCH 5 – Grolloo, Hofsteenge (NL)
MARCH 27 – Aldershot, West End Centre
MARCH 28 – New Milton, Forest Arts Centre
APRIL 10 – Dudley, The Lamp Tavern
APRIL 11 – Sheffield, The Greystones
APRIL 14 – Coulsdon, Tuesday Night Music Club
APRIL 18 – Ripley, Town Hall
APRIL 23 – Derby, The Flowerpot
APRIL 26 – Colchester, Arts Centre
MAY 8 – Totnes, The Barrel House
MAY 9 – Truro, Old Bakery Studios
MAY 15 – York, The Fulford Arms
MAY 17 – Market Rasen, Hope Tavern (Low Tickets)
MAY 22–23 – Leamington Spa, Temperance (Sold Out)
MAY 29 – Winchester, The Arc
MAY 31 – Cardiff, Acapela Studio
JUNE 9 – Ramsgate, Red Arrow Music Club
JULY 25– Diseworth Blues Club
SEPT 24 -NL – Haarlem, Patronaat
SEPT 25 – NL – Zwolle, Hedon
OCT 9 – Beverly, East Riding Theatre
OCT 18 – Worthing – The Factory
OCT 30 – Milton Keynes – The Stables
NOV 1 – Leicester – The International Centre
NOV 8 – Bromley, Blues Club
NOV 20 – St Helens, The Citadel
DEC 12 – Selby, Town Hall
Tickets: www.laurencejonesmusic.com/live
