This is the first release under the name of Richie Lawrence since ‘Rue Sanxay’in 2015. He is a noted Californian pianist and accordionist for the group 'I See Hawks In L.A'.
Although billed as a solo album, its existence is reliant on the contribution of many others.
The original plan was to co-produce it with Paul Lacques. Sadly, Lacques’s sudden passing means that with Lawrence’s longtime friend and musical accomplice is present only in spirit.
Lacques did however co-write two of the songs: Leaving You and The Wonderful Waltz. On the former, Lawrence’s wife, Katie Thomas, takes on lead vocals as she does on Isla and a cover of Ray Bonneville’s Lone Freighter’s Wail.
The album opens with On The Boat , a rich story song of his grandfather’s immigration On the other eleven tracks the listener is treated to a range of moods, styles and themes.
Oh Me Oh My, co-written with Robert Rex Waller Jr, is out and out country with Rob Waller on lead vocals and Dave Zirbel on pedal steel guitar.
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Big Fun is a piece of throwaway jollity while The Poetry Of Lust enters the treacherous territory of infidelity with the attendant ”sacrifice of love and trust”..
The mellow lounge atmosphere of InFable belies some angry reflections on the “mind sucking soul sapping” invasiveness of digital media. The album title comes from a line in this song.
Emily Dickinson is a gentle instrumental piece and the record closes withI Believe In You, a touching song expressing the hopes and dreams for Lawrence’s child.
The record as a whole is something of a mixed bag blending together genres of Folk, jazz and country. Not all of it works but the personal elements hold it together and lend it a wayward charm.
Richie Lawrence’s website
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