Richie Lawrence – Moving At The Speed of Trees
Judging from the first song (“On the Boat”) this 12-cut set was sewn together by Oklahoma musician Richie Lawrence & it’s satisfying in its sophistication. His style of vocals is a cross between easy-listening solo singers that date back decades. Richie’s voice is comfortably warm & swings with sincere, charming & spatial tonality similar to an obscure singer for American audiences. Lawrence’s fine voice & style are as evident as the late Australian balladeer, Gary Shearston. He also had a deep warm style (Cole Porter’s “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “Dingo”).
“Isla” from Moving At The Speed of Trees (Drops March 21/Big Book Records/47:07) is a splendid piece sung by Katie Thomas. Katie’s voice has its eccentricity. Almost a little like late-career Marianne Faithful without the damaged voice rawness. With the addition of an accordion, it has a pleasant Euro arrangement reminiscent of Edith Piaf. Katie is quite a good singer with a unique approach not heard often in today’s female pop singers.
A return to the Shearston vocal tone (not accent) Richie on “Life Long Lived” navigates lyrics with many syllables. Maybe too many. Nonetheless, the piano (Richie) is always excellent & with the violin (Giorgi Khokhobashvilli) it all comes out of the speakers as an intriguing & appealing sound. Shifting gears & going more country Rob Waller provides fine vocals on “Oh Me Oh My.” This has a clever arrangement with formidable country leanings. The song is somewhat in the same vein as an old breezy Strawbs song “Ah Me, Ah My” from “Grave New World” (1972). It worked for them; it will work here.
The LP produced by Richie (vocals/piano/accordion) & Katie Thomas makes its early impression a diversified delight. The voices throughout this showcase are expressive & not a repetitive type jumble of songs but a well-thought-out menu with a creative vision.
Songs like “Leaving You” have a lilting Fairport Convention touch ala, Sandy Denny. This is another Euro-flavored upbeat song that purrs like a fat cat on the sofa. Katie Thomas is delightful as always. Richie cruises into a bluesier lane with “The Poetry of Lust” with a pinch of Michael Gira. Gira also went blues-country on the Swans’ “The Burning World” LP. “InFable” is a deliciously swinging MOR tune with dazzling piano. Whereas, “I Believe In You” is a poignant ballad with an emotional delivery that’s well-articulated by Mr. Lawrence. It’s truly gripping & a most distinguished piece of music.
Highlights – “On the Boat,” “Isla,” “Life Long Lived,” “Oh Me Oh My,” “Big Fun,” “Leaving You,” “The Poetry of Lust,” “InFable” & “I Believe In You.”
Musicians – Shawn Nourse (drums/percussion), Simeon Pillich (acoustic bass), Victoria Jacobs (drums/vocal harmony), Paul Marshall (electric bass/vocal harmony), Dave Zirbel (pedal steel), Rick Shea (electric guitar/mandolin/acoustic guitar), Tony Gilkyson (electric guitar) & Stefanie Naifeh (vocal harmony).
Portrait image courtesy of Richie’s Bandcamp. CD at Bandcamp & https://www.richielawrence.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: Song Premiere: Richie Lawrence “On the Boat”