{"id":2332,"date":"2021-01-15T08:19:51","date_gmt":"2021-01-15T14:19:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/?p=2332"},"modified":"2021-01-15T08:52:40","modified_gmt":"2021-01-15T14:52:40","slug":"universal-chord-jarrod-lawson-on-be-the-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/postgenre.org\/staging\/4567\/universal-chord-jarrod-lawson-on-be-the-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Universal Chord: Jarrod Lawson on ‘Be the Change’"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Portland-based singer-songwriter\/pianist Jarrod Lawson made waves in 2014 with his self-titled debut album, quickly garnering an international fanbase who have been clamoring for a sophomore project ever since. 2019\u2019s VISIONS <\/em>groove tape quelled those appetites briefly  (available on Bandcamp under the pseudonym Orpheus<\/a>) and demonstrated Jarrod\u2019s range and production skills. In late 2020, he returned as frontman-in-earnest with Be The Change <\/em>(Dome Records). It\u2019s a lush and thoroughly uplifting album, well-steeped in many canons. Lawson\u2019s core band of drummer Cory Limuaco, bassist Chris Friesen and guitarist Trent Baarspul is joined by legendary percussionist Sammy Figueroa, whose inimitable presence anoints the album with an old-school soul flavor – you know, that <\/em>conga sound. Contemporary R&B heads will also enjoy an appearance from Moonchild on \u201cI\u2019ll Be Your Radio.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Between the fresh, harmonically-rich arrangements, diverse orchestration, thoughtful and imaginative lyrics, and classic soul-styled grooves, there is a great deal to appreciate here for music lovers of all stripes. That\u2019s all before we even mention Jarrod\u2019s warm vocals, intricate harmonies and tasty piano playing. The interplay between the instrumental and vocal content is really a treat; neither dominates the spotlight, and wedded together they make each song feel like its own ecosystem with its own alchemy. This is sui generis songcraft that rewards immersion and repeat listens. Threads of social consciousness are also wonderfully woven into this album, aligning it with the tradition of so many classic soul records. On \u201cBe The Change\u201d, \u201cBattlefield\u201d, \u201cUniversal Chord\u201d (a song some 15 years in the making), \u201cConnected\u201d, \u201cEmbrace What We Are\u201d and \u201cHow Long,\u201d Lawson seems to be praying rather than proselytizing. His message is an inspiring appeal to our basic humanity and interconnectedness, and its delivery never detracts from the uplifting tone of the music. Jarrod was kind enough to discuss the subtleties of this approach in our interview below, as well as songwriting, left-hand bass, and more.  <\/p>\n\n\n

<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div>