The Bones of J.R. Jones Electrifyingly Haunt NYC’s (Le) Poisson Rouge
If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to have your soul stirred by raw emotion and captivating storytelling, The Bones of J.R. Jones delivered just that during their 2025 tour stop at (Le) Poisson Rouge in New York City. From the moment the band hit the stage, there was an unmistakable air of anticipation. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and curious newcomers, seemed to know they were in for something special. The Bones of J.R. Jones, led by the gravelly, soulful voice of Jon Linaberry, has always walked the line between folk, blues, and Americana. Still, this performance showcased a new depth to their sound, melding dark, moody undertones with bursts of energy that had the audience entranced from start to finish, delivering a performance that was both intimate and expansive.
From the moment the band kicked off with the brooding "Stay Wild," it was clear this wouldn’t be just another show. This was an experience—an emotional journey through dark Americana and soul-baring folk. With its driving rhythm and J.R. Jones’s gravelly voice, the opening track set the stage for what was to come: a night of aching honesty and raw, stripped-back beauty. “Undone” followed, its haunting lyrics building a wave of tension that crescendoed into the ethereal "The Drop," where the subtle interplay between the guitar and atmospheric backing vocals had the crowd hanging on every note. As the set moved into “Sing Sing,” the energy in the room shifted, and the band’s full force was on display. The stomping rhythm, paired with a compelling hook, had the audience clapping and swaying along. Tracks like “Animals” and “The Devil” kept the momentum going, their heavy, blues-infused beats adding a gritty edge to the night. The raw power of Jones’s voice was especially electrifying here, each word cutting through the air with a razor-sharp intensity. One of the night’s most poignant moments came during “Like An Old Lover,” where the pace slowed, and the intimacy of the performance shone. Just Jon and his guitar, the simplicity of the arrangement allowing the weight of the lyrics to resonate deeply with the audience. It was a moment of quiet reflection that gave way to the explosive energy of “St. James Bed,” which brought the crowd back to life with its thunderous rhythm and soul-stirring melody. The band’s ability to seamlessly move between tension and release was on full display with “Bad Moves” and “The Flood,” two tracks that showcased their knack for building dramatic, atmospheric soundscapes before pulling the rug out from under you with sudden shifts in tone.
By the time they hit “Drive,” a fan favorite, the crowd was fully in the grip of Jones’s world. The sing-along chorus was infectious, and the electric guitar work was a perfect mix of fiery and restrained. But it was the quiet intensity of “Shameless” that brought the night to a powerful, reflective pause. The vulnerability in Jones’s delivery was palpable, creating a moment of collective silence in the room before the explosive howl of “Howl” broke the stillness wide open. The second half of the set had the crowd in raptures, with “13 Kinds” and “Savages” raising the stakes and bringing a ferocity to the stage that was impossible to ignore. These tracks felt larger than life, with their pounding rhythms and gritty melodies, and the crowd responded in kind, lost in the music.
The night closed out with “Trouble,” a perfect final note that left the audience feeling like they’d been on a ride—emotionally drained, but somehow uplifted. Jones’s ability to walk the tightrope between catharsis and hope makes his live shows so compelling, and this performance was no exception.
The night also began with opener Henry Stansall, of The Ruen Brothers, who provided a spectacular performance, incorporating an impressive blend of Americana, British folk tunes, and witty banter, setting the tone for the evening.
