One of my favorite venues, Johnny D’s, started a Free Friday series within the past year, and it took my friend Laney Jones to get me to one of those events.

Laney Jones

This was going to be my first time seeing her with her full band The Lively Spirits (which ended up being not quite true – her fiddle player was not playing with them this night), and I was excited!

Jacy Anderson, Laney and Matt Tonner

I met Laney standing on line to get into a concert when she was in Boston auditioning for Berklee College of Music. As soon as I heard her music, I loved it. Laney’s voice is mellifluous and very well-suited to her style of songwriting.

Laney

She is a smart songwriter and has many songs that bring a smile to my face. One of her more recent songs, ‘Colorado and Washington‘, had the audience – most of whom was unfamiliar with her – singing along with her by the end. You can imagine the theme of that song!

Jacy, and Laney and Matt

Laney is a storyteller and lets her audience know the story behind the song. She tells of the largest female alligator in the state of Florida being caught in her backyard (after eating some of her goats), the lead-in to ‘Midnight Snack’.

Laney

She was backed this night by Jacy Anderson on guitar and Matt Tonner on bass and vocals. Both are accomplished musicians who complement Laney beautifully.

Matt Tonner

Jacy

The ukelele, banjo and harmonica are Laney’s instruments – in addition to her incredible voice, that is. I was hooked the first time I heard her sing and I know I won’t get tired of hearing her.

Laney (Jacy in background)

Laney and her band will be touring this summer; so far, the dates are mostly on the east coast but watch for her coming to your city. Get it on the ground floor with Miss Laney Jones – you won’t be sorry you did!

Jacy and Laney

Laney (Jacy in background)

Matt

Matt