2020 has taken a toll on all of us but few have expressed that emotional angst quite as beautifully as Jarrod Lawson. “Be The Change” is his latest release and first for Dome records is nothing short of brilliant. Lawson’s tenor vocals are equally matched by his lustrous keyboard arrangements and songwriting. The title track sets the stage with a gorgeous piano melody and a romping groove. Lawson’s plea to start with ourselves in order to make real change is punctuated by his soaring vocals. Lawson’s pairing with Moonchild’s Amber Navran feels like a match made in heaven on the melancholy “I’ll Be Your Radio”. The Latin tinged “How Long” begins with percolating percussion and flute. The piano eases in before Lawson’s silky vocals take over, calling out for accountability from our elected leadership. The gap between albums was wide but this one was certainly worth the wait. It’s easily one of the best of the year.
