The Boneshakers  Live at The Tuesday Night Music Club

Review and Photos by Ken Jackson

“After spending a long weekend immersed in the electrifying atmosphere of The Old Bush Blues Festival in Worcester, where I managed to catch around twenty out of the thirty bands on offer, one might think I’d had my fill of live music. Yet, my anticipation for the return of The Boneshakers to The Tuesday Night Music Club in Coulsdon was undeniable.

This show marked the first of a three-night UK tour for the band, a prelude to an extensive European tour with stops in Denmark, Romania, and Italy, before they head back to continue their journey in the States.

The evening began with Richard Dunning’s brief but enthusiastic introduction to the eagerly awaiting, capacity audience. As the lights dimmed and the band took to the stage, the atmosphere crackled with excitement. Right from the first note, it was clear that we were in for something special.

Jenny Langer, the band’s dynamic frontwoman, bounded onto the stage after the opening song, infusing the room with her infectious energy and setting the tone for what would be an unforgettable night. The first set was an absolute whirlwind of sound and emotion.

Though I wasn’t able to grab a set list, and I was unfamiliar with some of the songs, it was evident that many in the audience were much more familiar with their music than I . The enthusiastic response from the crowd after each number showed just how well-loved The Boneshakers’ repertoire is.

The band effortlessly blended soulful blues with a rock edge, all driven by funk undertones that had the entire room chair dancing . After a brief intermission, the band returned for a second set that, if possible, was even more high-octane than the first. The energy in the room reached new heights as The Boneshakers tore through their set with a passion and intensity that captivated everyone in attendance. The audience fed off this energy, responding with cheers, applause, and calls for more, completely enthralled by the music.

A highlight of the night was the iconic presence of Randy Jacobs, a guitarist with a storied career. Having toured with legends like Dire Straits and Stevie Wonder, Randy’s experience and skill were on full display. In the early ’90s, Randy teamed up with Sweetpea Atkinson to form what would become The Boneshakers—a name bestowed upon them by none other than Bonnie Raitt.

Fast forward to today, and Randy is now joined by the powerhouse vocalist Jenny Langer, whose commanding stage presence and soulful voice bring a new dimension to the band add Holly Montgomery on Bass and Lesley Fisher Jnr on Drums and you have a world class band . Their latest album, ‘One Foot in the Groove,’ has been a monumental success, rocketing to the number one spot in both the UK blues charts and the US soul charts—a testament to the band’s broad appeal and musical prowess.

The night was a masterclass in blending genres, as the band seamlessly merged blues, rock, and funk into a sound that was both fresh and deeply rooted in tradition. By the end of the night, the audience was on their feet, delivering two standing ovations and calling the band back for a two-song encore. It was a triumph of an evening, showcasing The Boneshakers’ talent, charisma, and ability to connect with their audience.

This was more than just a concert; it was an experience, one that left everyone in the room buzzing with excitement long after the final note had faded.”