American west coast singer, songwriter and keyboardist Jarrod Lawson won a whole host of fans with his self-titled debut album back in 2014. That record’s smooth blend of R&B and soul-infused jazz led to sold-out shows at London’s Ronnie Scott’s, gigs in China, Australia and Tokyo, and festival appearances at Rotterdam’s North Sea Jazz, Indonesia’s Java Jazz, and the UK’s Love Supreme events. His follow-up EP Jarrod Lawson at the BBC was recorded at the legendary Maida Vale studio, and he’s taken the title of Soul Artist Of The Year at the Jazz FM Awards.

Quite a set of achievements for someone who, until this week, was yet to drop their second album. But music has always been part of Lawson’s life: as a youngster he spent a lot of time in the recording studio has dad ran out of their California home. The family then relocated to Portland, Oregon, where Lawson continued to study music under the tutelage of his father, before formalising his training at college, where he joined the chamber choir and jazz ensembles.

Released through Dome Records, that second album, Be The Change, finds Lawson backed by a band that includes the great Grammy-nominated percussionist Sammy Figueroa. Title track and lead single Be The Change kicks things off in mesmerising fashion, as Lawson weaves a lovely piano melody through some husky vocals that carry a positive message during these difficult times.

I’ll Be Your Radio is a deliciously dreamy affair, with a wonderful vocal contribution from guest star Moonchild, while Love Isn’t Always Enough builds from a striking trumpet intro into a soaring vocal. Why Don’t You Call Me Baby Anymore is an up-tempo track with a slick groove to it, and Embrace What We Are mixes a great bassline and more uplifting lyrics with lashings of Lawson’s amazing voice.

In all, Be The Change is a compelling body of work. Richly soulful, with plenty of flourishes to keep things fresh throughout, and ably shaped by Lawson’s powerful vocals, it will no doubt find the talented performer more fans and fame.

Be The Change tracklist:

1. Be The Change

2. I’ll Be You Radio

3. Battlefield

4. Love Isn’t Always Enough

5. Universal Chord

6. Why Don’t You Call Me Baby Anymore

7. Evalee

8. Connected

9. Embrace What We Are

10. Soul Symphony

11. How Long

Watch the official video for Be The Change here.

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.