The Boneshakers Talk New Live Album, Musical Influences And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Nick Moreland
The Boneshakers are an iconic soul blues and funk band lead by world-renowned guitarist Randy Jacobs of Was (Not Was). Ft. award-winning vocalist Jenny Langer. They will release their new live album ‘Live To Be This’ on 18th July 2025 on Gulf Coast Records. The pair kindly sat down with JLTT to talk about the album, musical memories and more:
Who is in The Boneshakers, how did you meet and what do you play?
Randy:
Randy Jacobs – Guitars and Vocals
Jenny Langer – Lead Vocals
We met in an LA studio when I was asked to play on her record.
What is your earliest musical memory?
Jenny:
My mother was a professional bellydancer in California and I often sat in a kiddie seat at her gigs, with cotton in my ears. The live bands and shiny costumes left a strong, lasting impression.
Randy:
Church. There was a couple in a storefront that preached the gospel with guitar, piano, and bass drum. The guitar moved me deeply.
When did you begin songwriting?
Jenny:
I began piano lessons at five, played by ear, and by fourth grade was making up songs. In high school I filled binders with lyrics. I didn’t consider myself a songwriter until collaborating with others at Berklee College of Music.
Randy:
I started writing songs at 13 in Detroit, aiming for a hit record. I mowed lawns for Motown songwriter Lamont Dozier and worked with producers like Sylvia Moy, Don Davis, and Barrett Strong.
How did you want to approach the making of the album Live To Be This (out July 18, 2025)?
Jenny:
We selected songs that reflect our live identity—blending blues, soul, rock, and funk. We recorded live in-studio when possible, and invited special guests thanks to Randy’s network.
Randy:
Following One Foot In the Groove, John Wooler, Jenny, and I demoed roots-oriented tracks—mixing soul, blues, and rock. We chose the strongest for studio recording.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
Randy:
Recorded at Woodcliff Studio in Sherman Oaks, CA, produced by John Wooler and associate producer/engineer Frank Rosato.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
Jenny:
I have videos of Gregg Bissonette doing Winnie the Pooh in the studio—it still cracks me up. He’s an incredible drummer and voice actor, and some of the funniest company you’ll meet.
Do you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
Randy:
I used my Matty Barrato cigar box guitar for “Dobro Jones”—it’s got a unique tone. The rest of my setup was pretty standard—amps, classic guitars and mics.
What inspired the single “I’ll Kick A Brick (For My Man)” (released April 25, 2025)?
Randy:
It’s about a woman’s fierce devotion to her man and setting boundaries. Jenny’s sassy and powerful voice brought it perfectly to life.
Do you have any special guests that feature on the album?
Jenny:
Yes—Charlie Musselwhite (harmonica), Bobby Rush (vocals), Coco Montoya (guitar), Don Was (upright bass), Ron Holloway (sax), and Jimmy Carpenter (sax).
Randy:
Also: Don Was on upright bass (“I Am The Cool”), Coco Montoya & Jimmy Carpenter trading licks (“Don’t Deny Me”), Charlie Musselwhite on “Evil No More,” Ron Holloway on sax (“I’ll Kick A Brick”), Sir Harry Bowens (BGVs), and Gregg Bissonette (drums).
Which track shows you at your happiest, angriest, and most reflective?
Jenny:
Happiest: They Say I’m Different (Betty Davis cover)—deep funk joy.
Angriest & Most Reflective: Tears of the World—a soul ballad about social, political, and environmental issues, written by Knut Reiersrud.
Randy:
All the tracks show me at my happiest—it’s a feel-good album from start to finish.
Was it a difficult album to write?
Jenny:
Choosing the songs was the toughest part. Randy and I build on each other’s ideas. I chose “I Am The Cool” for him, and he picked “The Cake and The Candle” for me—the challenges made them standouts.
Randy:
Not at all—Jenny and I have great creative chemistry. Just listen to “Evil No More” or “Ain’t Good Enough” and you’ll hear it.
Who designed the album artwork?
Jenny:
Ellie Krysl designed the artwork, with photos by Nick Moreland. Ellie nailed that timeless, retro look—it’s our third project together.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Jenny:
That every band member got their moment in the spotlight.
That women in the audience felt empowered seeing confident women on stage in a gritty genre.
Randy:
That audiences feel satisfied and moved.
That we have grown and solidified as a four-piece unit.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
Jenny:
I never leave without my Telefunken M80—it gives my voice the clearest live sound.
Randy:
My setup includes a Fender Tone Master Pro Workstation, PRS Special guitar, and the Matty Barrato cigar box guitar. The workstation puts amps, mics, speakers, and effects at my fingertips.
Is picking a setlist difficult with such a back catalogue?
Jenny:
We center on new releases but include legacy favorites, shaping our set like a story—with a beginning, build, and climax.
Randy:
Not difficult anymore—we have enough material for a three-hour show! We open instrumentally for atmosphere, add Jenny to ignite things, do a “Hootenanny” segment mid-set, then finish with blues and funk fire.
Where is your hometown and can you describe it in five words?
Jenny:
San Jose, CA: Diverse, sunny, techy, vibrant, FOOD
Now in Nashville, TN: Music, biscuits, jeans, hats, rhinestones
Randy:
Detroit: Motown, Sports, Blues, Rock City, Cars
How do you look after your voices?
Jenny:
I’m not super disciplined, but I prioritize sleep, avoid smoking and soda, and try to stay hydrated—despite a caffeine and whiskey habit.
Randy:
I follow Jenny’s lead. We both tend to laugh a lot on tour, which is great for voice health and morale.
If given the chance to score a novel’s film adaptation, which would it be and why?
Jenny:
A Confederacy of Dunces—I’d love to score Ignatius’s misadventures through 1960s New Orleans.
Randy:
Soul On Ice by Eldridge Cleaver—a story of personal and political struggle that deserves a powerful, soulful, and gritty soundtrack.
Who are your musical influences and recommendations?
Jenny:
I explored Howlin’ Wolf, Magic Slim, Bobby Blue Bland, Koko Taylor, Little Milton, and New Orleans funk as a teen. My recommendations: The Meters and Lettuce.
Randy:
Early Taj Mahal (Jesse Ed Davis guitar), Curtis Mayfield, Bobby Franklin’s Insanity, Santana Brothers, Hendrix, Mick Ronson, Clapton, Claydes Charles Smith (Kool & The Gang), Sly & Freddie Stone, Albert Collins, BB King, and Johnny Guitar Watson.
Do you have any UK/Europe live dates in 2025?
Randy:
Short UK run in September 2025, followed by a Germany tour from February 2026 and dates in Switzerland and Austria. Check officialboneshakers.com for updates.
Who is in your touring band?
Jenny:
Featuring Randy and me, plus Holly Montgomery (bass/vocals), Arthur Thompson (drums/vocals). Occasionally Les Fisher Jr. from Was (Not Was) sits in.
What makes The Boneshakers happy and unhappy?
Jenny:
Happy: Loud, vibrant audiences; chocolate (for Randy); neat bourbon (for me); ’70s funk; New Orleans music; and Hello Kitty.
Unhappy: New tariffs on stage clothing; slow drivers in the fast lane; mayonnaise on burgers; and super early flights.
Randy:
We’re happiest performing live and connecting with fans. As for unhappiness… “Who has time for that? LOL.”
Feature Image Photo Credit: Nick Moreland
The Boneshakers new album ‘Live To Be This’ will be released on Friday 18th July 2025 on Gulf Coast Records.
North America Pre-Order: https://srgstore.com/products/boneshakers-live-to-be-this
European Pre-Order: https://propermusic.com/products/theboneshakers-livetobethis
For more information and live dates visit their official website: https://www.officialboneshakers.com/
