On the last evening of Jazzkaar, the soul singer and Jarrod Lawson and his band gave a spiritually enriching concert. It was a concert full of lyrically fulfilling melodies that winded up the 26th edition of the Jazzkaar Festival at Punane Maja, easing the sorrow of music lovers. His colourful voice painted the audience\u2019s soul along with his philosophical lyrics. The atmosphere was comfortable enough to chat and enjoy the music at the same time.<\/p>\n
A second tenor who often sings in a natural baritone and falsetto without tension, there is a confidence in Lawson\u2019s voice singing both straight or running a scale. His music is a fusion between soul, R&B, jazz and blues, with the clear influence of the biggest artist of this music. \u201cI\u2019d describe it as a fusion of R\u2019n\u2019B and soul song writing a la 70\u2019s vintage Stevie Wonder with a bit more of a modern jazz complexion. There\u2019s definitely a strong NEO-soul element as well, taken from my absolute fascination with the sultry styling\u2019s of D\u2019Angelo, Erykah Badu, Van Hunt<\/strong>, etc,\u201d Lawson said in an interview for Londoncalling<\/em>.<\/p>\n However, the concert at Jazzkaar wasn\u2019t the first time that the artist been in Estonia. Back in 1995 while he was attending Clackamas Community College in Oregon, an Estonian exchange student named Kairi R\u00e4u transferred to his school. She joined the same chamber choir as Lawson and began to teach them about Estonian music and culture. The following year, the choir was invited to participate in the Laulupidu<\/em> \u2013 the Song Celebration of 1996.<\/p>\n That was the first time when Lawson came to the northern Baltic region. As a matter of fact, he got some connections here and became good friend with Hirvo Surva<\/strong>, the exceptionally well-respected and revered choral conductor. He also met the famous composers Veljo Tormis <\/strong>and Urmas Sisask<\/strong>. His choir returned for the following Laulupidu and since then, he has been back twice, but just visiting. Finally, this year he could come as a solo performer, something that he really wanted. \u201cI am fascinated with Estonian history, particularly the Singing Revolution,\u201d he told the audience.<\/p>\n Lawson illustrated his vocal talent with his gospel blues piano ballad Everything I Need<\/em>. During the tune The Soul Symphony<\/em> the influences of D\u2019Angelo were present. In this clean and lineal performance, the highlight was the duo with one of his back singers. The passionate way they were playing was contagious – nice vibes that made people feel the friendly atmosphere creating the perfect balance between socializing and enjoying an outstanding voice in the soul scene of these contemporary times. Alongside his incredible band and back singers, his music was sure to touch Estonians\u2019 soul.<\/p>\n JARROD LAWSON<\/strong>
April 25th, Punane Maja
Jarrod Lawson \u2013 vocal, keyboard
Chancellor Hayden \u2013 guitar
Christopher Friesen \u2013 bassguitar
Joshua Corry \u2013 drums
Tahirah Memory \u2013 back vocal
Molly Foote \u2013 back vocal<\/p>\n"},"yoast_head":"\n