(March 18, 2023) Jarrod Lawson has proven that he is a man who doesn’t shy away from a challenge. It was challenging to make a career as an R&B artist based in Portland. Still, Lawson, along with a group of talented performers did just that, transforming the City of Roses in the Great Northwest into a soulful hotbed.
Lawson recently took on the challenge of leaving that supportive community and moving his base of operations to Music City. Lawson relocated from Portland to Nashville last year in search of new musical opportunities.
When it comes to recording the works of music influences, Lawson sings big. His acoustic cover of Lauryn Hill’s “The Ex-Factor” is an excellent reinterpretation of the hip-hop soul classic, infusing it with his rich baritone and jazz infused piano playing. Lawson’s cover of the Isley Brothers’ classic “Footsteps in the Dark” was a well-thought out and well executed balancing of honoring the classic arrangement while also using his power-packed voice to add new layers and textures to his version,
Now, Lawson dives into the Prince songbook with his cover of “I Would Die For You.” Lawson debuted his version to enthusiastic reaction from fans during a livestreamed concert for fans during the lockdown. Now, he plans to release the tune as a single on March 17 and in advance of his first ever solo tour that will take him to the UK for 10 shows. These performances will put Lawson in an arrangement where he is very comfortable, his voice accompanied by a grand piano. That should be worth the price of admission, and this soulful remake of the Prince classic showcases all that we love about Lawson. Check it out here.
By Howard Dukes
Jarrod Lawson – “I Would Die For You”