By Ryan Hildrew, Rock At Night London

Live Review: Laurence Jones with Miguel Montalban & the Southern Vultures -229, London – January 10, 2025

Admittedly, traveling across London today to 229, I found out very quickly that outside, it is definitely not hoodie weather. As I walked into tonight’s venue, teeth chattering and red in the face, those chills soon became a worry of the past with the red-hot show that followed.

Miguel Montalban. Photo by Ryan Hildrew.

The London January Blues festival was well underway at 299 as we headed into night 8 with 4-times British Blues awarded artists Lawrence Jones and support from Miguel Montalban & the Southern Vultures.

The night kicked off with Miguel’s London-based four-piece band, setting the tone of an unforgettable night of blues excellence. As a fan of Miguel’s, I knew what was coming, and as they erupted on stage, the crowd was amazed by the guitar virtuoso’s breathtaking abilities and began to gather at the front of the stage. With the return of the band’s former rhythm guitarist Marc Hayward and new drummer Florin Constantin, this new lineup showed that the Southern Vultures are still soaring high and aren’t landing any time soon!!

Before the night’s headline took the stage, I spent a second backstage with Miguel’s crew. I was joined by the remaining members of his latest new exciting project that I’ve been hearing so much about, The Motherz. I have the opportunity to listen to a demo–and this is something to keep your eyes and ears out for this year!

Laurence Jones Band. Photo by Ryan Hildrew.

As we get into the main event, this was the first time I saw Jones live, but the masses of merch tees adorning the eager fans made it very clear that this would be well worth the visit.

In the rich history of the British blues, few would fail to mention Lawrence’s undeniable impact on the scene. The multi-award-winning artist and three-time “Young Artist of the Year” winner, he has brought a new lease of life to the genre, noted as “the future of blues.” Drawing inspiration from legends like Eric Clapton, Rory Gallagher, and B.B. King, Jones mixes classic blues traditions with a fresh, modern energy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Lawrence put on tonight’s show in connection with his UK tour in collaboration with AGMP Concerts and the Music Venue Trust’s (MVT) Cohorts project, aiming to support and revitalize grassroots music venues instrumental in nurturing musical talent. Laurence Jones expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “I have built my career playing in the clubs over the last decade and I’m very excited to be involved with the Music Venues Trust & AGMP Concerts to bring you this special tour.”

Jones took over the stage, delivering a breathtaking performance, seamlessly blending traditional blues techniques with modern rock influences, delivering electrifying solos and hair-raising licks accompanied by soulful melodies. The 32-year-old Liverpudlian is truly a gift to any lover of blues music.

Jones exclaimed between songs, “Are you feeling the blues?”!! As the crowd erupted into cheers of excitement. The room’s energy tonight was overwhelming, and Lawrence grinned from ear to ear. “How are we doing, London?” He shouted and was met with all the same excitement and more from the fans.

This guy knows how to get absolutely everything possible out of a strat during a song, from unbelievable sustain on bends to flicks of the strings above the nut shaking the hell out of the tremolo bar. I surrendered to the fact I was in the presence of technical brilliance.

As we approach the end of the night, Jones exclaimed, “This song goes out to my hero and the reason I’m playing the guitar,” which has me raising an eyebrow, followed by one of the most incredible renditions of “Voodoo Child” I’ve ever heard. Surely, the three-piece, also consisting of Jack Timmis on bass and Alan Taylor on drums, didn’t have anything more to give, but then they followed up with a two-song encore to top the night off, leaving the packed room well and truly rocked!!

This was definitely a night to remember. As the crowd made their way out of the venue with a buzz, I heard fans going back and forth on their favorite songs and what an incredible performance they had just witnessed. Undoubtedly, I will attend more shows from Lawrence Jones’s band in the future!