First Listen: Jarrod Lawson creates instant classic with "Be The Change"

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    Photo courtesy of Dome Records

    (September 22, 2020) If you’ve been a SoulTracker for a few years, you know that we’ve been tracking the impressive music coming out of the seemingly unlikely soul music town of Portland, Oregon. But Rip City has something going, and singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarrod Lawson is an artist who seems to be in the middle of all that West Coast goodness.

    In addition to being part of the wonderful Bespeak Love album that announced Portland to the world, Lawson issued a self-titled album that turned heads around the world with its sophisticated blend of soul and jazz, and the introduction of a singer who is the real deal.

    (September 22, 2020) If you’ve been a SoulTracker for a few years, you know that we’ve been tracking the impressive music coming out of the seemingly unlikely soul music town of Portland, Oregon. But Rip City has something going, and singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarrod Lawson is an artist who seems to be in the middle of all that West Coast goodness.

    In addition to being part of the wonderful Bespeak Love album that announced Portland to the world, Lawson issued a self-titled album that turned heads around the world with its sophisticated blend of soul and jazz, and the introduction of a singer who is the real deal.

    Now, after an interminable wait, we’re excited that Jarrod is returning October 30 on Dome Records with a new album, Be The Change. Even more exciting today is we have a sneak peek at the title track, and the jazzy midtempo number is all that. Accompanied by Grammy-nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa, Lawson delivers what feels like an instant classic, a song that would have fit just a comfortably in 1970 as it does in 2020. And the message is just as enduring:

    Where do we go from here, and how do we move beyond the pain
    Where do we go from here, and how do we bridge this great divide
    Like watching for a field of flowers in bloom
    It’s gonna take time to heal these wounds
    Come on, let’s be the change”

    It is a song that is both timely and timeless. And it is a great way to start any day. Check it out below.

    By Chris Rizik

    Jarrod Lawson - "Be The Change"