He has consistently been one of the most read about and sought after new artists SoulTracks has had in the last year, with thousands of SoulTracks readers letting us know how much they appreciate this newcomer. Singer/songwriter Jarrod Lawson’s self-titled debut album topped our “Best of 2014” list, taking one of our most coveted awards. His follow-up live EP, Jarrod Lawson at the BBC, with such delightful covers as Bilal’s “When Will You Call” and Anthony Hamilton’s “The Point of It All,” only further deepened the respect of fans and critics everywhere.
He has consistently been one of the most read about and sought after new artists SoulTracks has had in the last year, with thousands of SoulTracks readers letting us know how much they appreciate this newcomer. Singer/songwriter Jarrod Lawson’s self-titled debut album topped our “Best of 2014” list, taking one of our most coveted awards. His follow-up live EP, Jarrod Lawson at the BBC, with such delightful covers as Bilal’s “When Will You Call” and Anthony Hamilton’s “The Point of It All,” only further deepened the respect of fans and critics everywhere.
Those four exclusive BBC performances took their time and Lawson gave them plenty of elbowroom, luxuriating at times with his use of space to add resonance to the proceedings. On this Radio 6 Soul & Jazz showcase, Lawson seems to be a bit more hurried and nervous at times, hesitating at the complicated descending piano work that is the trademark of the Leon Russell penned classic made forever famous by one of Lawson’s heroes: the late, great Donny Hathaway. However, the Oregon-based, blue-eyed soulster had nothing to worry about. Those jitters aside, he does a rock solid cover here, and in doing so gives his legions of converts something new to sink their teeth into. Can anyone say repeat streaming? Check it out and let Lawson know if you want to hear him try his hand at more Hathaway material on his third release. In the meantime, take a listen to “Everything I Need” from Jarrod Lawson’s debut and BBC releases, for a Hathaway inspired original that will leave you breathless.