0

Album Review: "Be the Change" by Jarrod Lawson (9/10)

Dome Records

Producer: Jarrod Lawson

Singer-songwriter-pianist Jarrod Lawson picks up the baton from heroes like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway and dashes beyond the finish line. His silky smooth vocals, rich soul-jazz songs and relaxed vibe are a winning trifecta. As a result, the Portland, OR crooner has caught the attention of new converts at jazz fests and the press worldwide. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, the title track sets the stage for Lawson’s powerful and positive messaging. From the ultra funky “Battlefield” to the spirituality of “Universal Chord” and “Soul Symphony,” he infuses the album with a healthy balance of grace, humor, candor and improvisational mastery.