2014 was an exceptional year for Jarrod Lawson, with his debut album winning over critics, DJ’s and fellow musicians alike. He embarked on a successful European tour and recorded a BBC 6 music session with Gilles Peterson. This year see’s him make a triumphant return to the UK, and to play once again at Band on the Wall.
Jarrod writes songs with meaning, sings with true feeling and beautiful harmonies, and his keyboard playing is superb throughout. His musical mentor, the legendary local singer and keyboardist, Bobby James has clearly left his indelible mark, evident in Jarrod’s trifold, multi-tasking live performance approach, covering both the right hand comp/solo and left hand bass keyboard roles, simultaneously spreading soulful lead vocals over the top of it all. Now, well on his way to making a name for himself in the Pacific Northwest, Jarrod has shared the stage with such international acts as Average White Band, Maceo Parker, Angelique Kidjo, Bilal, Ronnie Laws, Loose Ends, Liv Warfield, and Robert Glasper. Maybe best of all for Jarrod, so far, was performing at Stevie Wonder’s birthday party.
Whether he sings and plays funk, folk, R&B, rock or jazz – as has been said many times – “everything he touches turns to soul.” What began as a child’s interest in sound and rhythm has become a man’s expression of his own character. He sings from his integrity and spirituality, passion and compassion, empathy and sympathy…in other words, his own soul.
The Picturehouse Cafe Bar is open beforehand for delicious food and drinks.