The Boneshakers – Live To Be This
Release date: July 2025
Can’t Miss Tracks: I’ll Kick A Brick For My Man, How Do You Spell Love, I Am The Cool, Salty, The Cake And The Candle
Label: GulfCoast
The Boneshakers Unleash Their Gritty Soul with New Album “Live To Be This”
A 25-Year Legacy of Authentic Blues, Soul, and Rock
With over a quarter-century of musical mastery, The Boneshakers have never settled for mediocrity. Their latest release, “Live To Be This,” is a testament to their relentless pursuit of genuine, heartfelt music. As their eleventh album – and their first recorded on Mike Zito’s Gulf Coast Records – the band delivers fifteen tracks that defy easy classification but are undeniably “good stuff.”
A Fusion of Detroit Soul and Southern Influences
Described as “Detroit soul with influences of Memphis and Muscle Shoals,” The Boneshakers – featuring the dynamic duo Randy Jacobs and Jenny Langer – have earned their reputation by blending raw emotion with soulful grooves. Named years ago by Bonnie Raitt, they’ve built a legacy rooted in authenticity and fiery performances.
Star-Studded Collaborations
“Live To Be This” boasts an impressive lineup of guest artists that elevate the album’s soul and blues roots. Charlie Musselwhite lends his expressive harp; Don Was adds his signature bass lines; Bobby Rush delivers a memorable duet on “Salty”; Coco Montoya and Jimmy Carpenter contribute stellar guitar and sax solos; John ‘Papa’ Gros and Ron Holloway also make notable appearances. These collaborations underline the band’s stature in the blues and roots music community.
An Album That Commands Attention from Start to Finish
The album’s fifteen tracks are a strong collection of standout tunes. Opening with
“I’ll Kick a Brick for My Man,” the first single, Jenny Langer’s commanding vocals and impressive instrumental solos immediately grab your attention. The cover of “How Do You Spell Love” offers a fresh take on a classic, cleverly revealing that love is sometimes
“m-o-n-e-y.”
The seventh track, “I Am the Cool” (featuring Don Was), oozes swagger and irony, with lines like “So many of them, so little time,” encapsulating what it truly means to be “cool.” Meanwhile, “Salty,” featuring Bobby Rush, warns “Things are going to get a little salty,” backed by powerful vocals and fiery guitar work, making it a standout second single.
A Heartfelt Closing
The album closes with “The Cake and the Candle,” a tender ballad that allows Langer’s emotive vocals to shine. Her gentle delivery of “My eyes are on the prize. I want it all. I want the cake, and I want the candle,” provides a fitting, soulful ending to a compelling musical journey.
The Creative Roots and Evolution
Produced by John Wooler – who signed the band to Virgin Records in the ’90s – the album delves into the raw roots, muscle of Detroit, and deep funk grooves that have defined The Boneshakers for decades. The band’s history is rich; from early collaborations with legends like Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King to their own chart-topping releases, they’ve continuously evolved while staying true to their soulful core.
Randy Jacobs’ journey began in the vibrant Motor City scene, where he met Sweetpea Atkinson during a session with Was (Not Was). Their bond led to successful collaborations and a distinctive sound that combines funk, blues, and rock. Jenny Langer, inducted into the Virginia Blues Hall of Fame at just 28, joined the band in 2020, bringing her powerhouse vocals and versatility to the mix.
A Sound That Resonates Across Generations
Despite lineup changes over the years, the band’s musical template remains consistent—groove-laden, soulful, energetic, and authentic. “Live To Be This” is a celebration of this legacy, blending vintage influences with modern storytelling to connect with both longtime fans and a new generation of blues and soul lovers.
Upcoming Tour and Future Endeavors
In support of “Live To Be This,” The Boneshakers are hitting the road across the U.S. and U.K., bringing their electrifying live performance to audiences worldwide. Fans can expect the same raw energy and heartfelt musicianship that define their recorded work.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Listen
Whether you’re a blues aficionado or a casual listener, “Live To Be This” offers a rich, moving listening experience. With superb musicianship, heartfelt vocals, and tight arrangements, the album is a testament to The Boneshakers’ enduring spirit. It’s a love letter to the music that shaped them – a fiery, soulful record that reminds us why authentic, feeling-driven music will always have a place in our hearts.
Don’t miss out on this musical journey. Give “Live To Be This” a listen and experience the groove, grit, and soul that only The Boneshakers can deliver.
