Rise

Ranked as one of the 50 best acoustic guitars of all time by Guitar Player Magazine, Lawson Rollins has returned with a musical gem.  Rise kicks off in high gear with the flowing and captivating Latin rhythms of the first single, 'Free To Fly', featuring Lawson’s acoustic, electric and nylon string guitars and as well as percussion and vocals from Jeff Pierre. On the ten original songs - all produced by Lawson - he does some double duty with the drum programming and keyboards.

His versatile talent really shines on songs like 'Bossa Nova California' with guests, Mads Tolling (violin and viola) and Joseph Heber (cello).  These three in combination are  captivating!  His world beat sound mixed with elements of jazz, flamenco and new age shines on ‘Pulse',  a smooth, embracing song with Dave Bryant's drums and Lawson’s hypnotic guitar. ‘Quest' is brilliant in many ways with its layers of guitar overdubs and prominent percussive beat.  'Come To Light' has an all-encompassing cool, chill vibe!  The album concludes with a song that we all can relate to titled ‘Emerge'.  With cello provided by Kelley Maulbetsch, the song inspires the soul to surface after the last devastating two years.

Lawson states,  “This album was forged during the unprecedented difficulties the world has seen over the past year, but as the Latin motto “Ad Astra Per Aspera’ proclaims, we can reach the stars through difficulty.  It is in that spirit that this album was made”.  Thanks Lawson.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Gary James
The Night Show
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