Jarrod Lawson is a Portland-based singer, songwriter, and pianist who emerged as a major force in the international soul and jazz scenes in the mid-2010s. His sound is a sophisticated blend of blue-eyed soul, jazz fusion, and neo-soul, drawing heavy comparisons to Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, and D'Angelo.
Lawson is a true multi-hyphenate, often handling composition, arrangement, and production alongside his lead vocal and keyboard duties. His 2014 debut was a critical watershed, earning him 'Soul Artist of the Year' at the Jazz FM Awards and establishing a strong foothold in the UK and European markets, where his brand of 'real music' found a dedicated audience. His second major work, 'Be The Change' (2020), expanded his sonic palette by incorporating more diverse percussion and collaborating with alternative soul acts like Moonchild. Critically, he is praised for his technical proficiency - specifically his jazz-inflected piano voicings - and his commitment to 'message music' that addresses social and spiritual themes. He occupies a unique space as a bridge between the classic soul tradition and the modern independent R&B movement.
Shares improvised, jazz fusion, piano, neo-soul (vocal style)
Shares jazz fusion, piano, vocal jazz, harmonized (signature)
Shares improvised, neo-soul, jazz fusion, harmonized (vocal style)
Shares improvised, piano, neo-soul, vocal jazz (vocal style)
Shares neo-soul, vocal jazz, soulful, candlelit (subgenre)
Shares spiritual jazz, neo-soul, jazz fusion, upright bass (subgenre)
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