Jarrod Lawson: Jarrod Lawson, CD

“I can’t see this set being topped as Album of the Year. It really is that good. And the truly astounding thing is that it’s the guy’s first ever album. Even Marvin and Stevie had some learning and growing to do before they approached What’s Going On and Talking Book.” - Chris Wells, Editor, Echoes magazine

The buzz around the debut album from blue-eyed soul singer Jarrod Lawson – from Portland, Oregon – has been extraordinary. Self-funded, self-produced and released on his own independent label in the US, the acclaim from soul fans worldwide led to sold-out UK/Europe live dates, beginning with London’s Ronnie Scott’s club, and an official European release for the album.

Whether he sings and plays funk, folk, R&B, rock or jazz “everything he touches turns to soul”, as one critic wrote. His debut comprises songs and musicianship of such quality, writing songs with meaning, singing with true feeling and beautiful harmonies. His keyboard playing is superb throughout.

Brought up on a farm in Oregon, Jarrod explored his father’s record collection and found treasure in the recordings of Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder. He began learning music with his father as teacher, but soon began taking a more independent approach. His quest took him to the masters – from Chopin to Chick Corea, Oscar Peterson to Pastorius, Errol Garner, Ravel, Paul Simon, Bob Marley.

Prior to releasing this album he opened for John Legend and Erykah Badu at the Capital Jazz Fes-tival in Washington, DC.