Laurence Jones and Amy Eftekhari at the Tuesday Night Music club

Review By Ken Jackson

Tonight was the first time I have seen Laurence Jones in full acoustic mode, which, considering I’ve seen him performing electric sets all over the country a dozen time or more seems well overdue.

Over the years I’ve seen him with various band members , all excellent, and on one memorable night he even ended up behind the drum kit for Blue Nation who were opening for him when their drummer couldnt get to the gig for some reason . Not many frontmen can casually swap instruments and get away with it,but Laurence isn’t most frontmen.

He’s also been fighting Crohn’s disease for as long as I can remember. The last few years have clearly taken their toll, but the good news is that, fresh from his 34th birthday celebrations , he’s looking healthier, has put a bit of weight back on, and most importantly seems to be feeling better in himself. A postponed Netherlands trip aside, things definitely seem heading in the right direction.

This evening marked his debut at the award winning Tuesday Night Music Club, now officially in the UK Blues federations, Hall of Fame after scooping “Best Venue” at the Blues Federation Awards for the third time, clearly they’re doing something right (probably everything).

Laurence is currently out on his UK “On My Own” tour—named after his latest album and released on his own Ron Records label, a lovely tribute to his late granddad Ron.

Alongside him is his fiancée Amy Eftekhari, who has her own EP “This Moment” out on the same label.

Amy opened the night and wasted no time winning everyone over. A mix of her own material and a couple of beautifully chosen covers had the Tuesday Night faithful “singing” along with the chorus.” It may have been a short set, but it was more than enough to show off her songwriting talent and a voice that deserves far more stage time.

After a quick break to replinish our drinks ,Laurence took to the stage. From that first second until the last , he had the room exactly where he wanted it, he was relaxed, confident, and clearly enjoying himself. His voice was spot on, the guitar playing mesmerising and effortless and the narration between the songs was both informative and amusing.

After about an hour or so, Amy returned to join Laurence for the final stretch, and the pair closed things out with a set of duets that felt as genuine as they were polished. Two standing ovations and an encore later, nobody was in any rush to leave, and you couldn’t really blame them and many headed straight to the merch desk. Another excellent night at the club,thanks to Richard and Roz Dunning ,Mike on the sound desk ,John on the door and the hard working bar staff.

All in all, a brilliant night, great music, great company, and proof that sometimes “on my own” is even better when you’re not.