A
culture-rich cornucopia of exotic global sounds and masterful guitarwork,
Lawson Rollins’ (www.LawsonRollins.com) fourth album, “Full Circle,” continues
to earn the favor of listeners, praise from reviewers and radio spins across
the nation. Rollins and multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar
Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force) composed and produced the 12-song set
dispensing highbrow sonicscapes constructed of borderless world music, jazz,
Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Japanese instrumentation counterbalanced
with irresistibly inviting melodies for the masses.
Rollins
travels lighter on “Full Circle” than on his past recordings. He puts his
classical guitar melodies upfront backed with less layering although the
tapestries do sound lush and textured. As on his previous releases, Rollins is
surrounded by the same supporting musicians including Camardella (keyboards,
piano), Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico,
percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy.
Respected
national magazines Guitar Player and Jazziz have gushed about “Full Circle,” a
record that reflects the artist’s return to the sound and style of recordings
he made as a member of the eclectic Latin jazz duo Young & Rollins. Below
is a sampling of the reviews:
“On his
latest, he (Rollins) still displays the lilting melodies, strong compositions,
and otherworldly chops that characterize all of his work. He plays beautiful,
hummable lines on “The Offering” and exotic, harmonized parts on “Serpent’s
Tale.” Then there are the blazing solo flights he embarks on on every tune.
These are simply dazzling—all played fingerstyle, with precision and passion.”
– Guitar Player
“Rollins’
pristine and masterful picking on acoustic and electric guitars is the common
thread running through all his work…Flamenco, Latin jazz and Middle Eastern
music reverberate through the North Carolina native’s mesmerizing string work,
as well as through the expert backing of a group of Rollins regulars.” - Jazziz
“While
there is a delightful ebb and flow, it is the prodigious talent of Rollins’
guitar work that serves as the golden thread to bind this amazing sonic
tapestry together…‘Full Circle’ cuts a wide path for world music fans,
classical aficionados and jazz lovers of any genre. An amazing release and
proof that when the stars are in perfect alignment, magic is indeed possible. 5
stars.” – Critical Jazz
“One of
the most accomplished and creative World Fusion guitarists on the planet
today…on ‘Full Circle’ Lawson arrives at something that borders on sublime,
instrumental, pan-global guitar-centric jazz that is truly colorful and
invigorating. Surely Lawson’s most well-rounded album yet.” – Music Web Express
3000
“…one of
the most creative world music fusion guitarists in the world.” – Keys &
Chords
“…this
may be Lawson Rollins’ finest creation to date…you are in for one incredible
audio delight.” – Mainly Piano
“…music
created with passion and talent…an even dozen high-spirited tunes full of soul
& groove that will haunt your playlists for a long time to come.” –
Improvijazzation Nation
“Expect
the unexpected as Rollins mixes Middle Eastern exotica, tango, reggae,
classical, world beats and more with his trademark Latin flavours.” – Soul and
Jazz and Funk
“Nimble-fingered
with lightning speed and possessing a full grasp of the cultures of the world
as voiced through his guitar, Lawson Rollins wears his captivating music like a
second skin.” – The Smooth Jazz Ride
“The
scintillating melodies are timeless and free-flowing. Anyone with an interest
in acoustic guitars and instrumental music will find happiness in Lawson's
latest release.” - Inside World Music
“…what
you get here are twelve originals that have cooking little Mediterranean and
Iberian moods, and his chops are as good as you can find on anything by (Larry)
Coryell.” – Jazz Weekly
“His
sound is clear, his fingerstyle is precise and his runs are dizzying.” – Smooth
Jazz Daily
“…a tour
around the globe with stops in Brazil, Europe and the US reaching out to
contemporary world jazz lovers with a pleasant sound.” – O’s Place Jazz
Rollins’
dazzling videos on YouTube showcasing his extraordinary speed and precision are
closing in on 8 million views, an impressive number for an independent
instrumentalist.
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