B. Lawrence Keys always raises questions wherever he appears. He plays what might be described as blues driven folk-jazz. His songs are revealing and deeply personal, yet easy to relate to. Keys is right in the vanguard of the new generation of independent artists who not only sing, but have taken the time to master music theory and word theory. He's got a clean, pure, agile voice reminiscent of Bruce Hornsby meets James Taylor, and that, coupled with his own original musicality, makes him a very compelling act to watch onstage. Rod Lyker of the Vinyl Sprockets said, "His voice, mixed with what he's saying, will make your head turn. And once you realize the importance of the message, you're hooked..."
This year, Keys is creating quite a stir with his Follow The Money CD, which asks some rather interesting questions. It is a timely work that has been in the making since 9/11/01. These are reflections of the surprise and hope we all pour into our responses of news each night. Title #9 is called Wouldn't You Love? This is a work that was written on the day of 9/11 and is somewhat prophetic in it's assuming a military response would follow.
His use of jazz and consistent return to folk style melody with accompaniment sometimes reminiscent of Aaron Copland or Stan Kenton meets Bob Dylan. The vocal delivery is clearly stylized and goes from a Jackson Browne tambor to something of a Randy Newman meets Billy Joel realism. He often shows up in a black or sometimes, gray Fidora. The influences he cites are Joni Mitchell, Nat King Cole, Hank Williams, Elvis, Hendrix, Dave Brubeck, The Beatles and Neil Young as some of his favorite influences.
Keys' History goes from playing with Richard Berry (author of Louie, Louie) to writing, arranging, orchestrating or editing for TV/Film. Keys also produces one to two CDs a year for other artists. In the past, you may have seen B. Lawrence Keys in the bands Krossfire or Dr. Smith at the Troubador, Club Lingerie, Palomino, or the Country Club. During these times Keys helped develop a program to help kids work through emotional conflict with music and art in an intensive residential treatment center. "They cut our funds even though we created a safer environment with a reduction in staff getting assaulted and reduction to property damage and grades were up. How's that for institutional disfunnction?" says Keys.
Check out the artist's website:
http://www.blawrencekeys.comTrack List:
1. Ooo...My Baby
2. How Long?
3. Changing Of The Guard
4. Turning That Corner
5. In My Heart
6. Misery's Man
7. Down That Road
8. Props
9. Wouldn't You Love?
10. The Watchdog
11. Follow The Money
Suggested CDs:
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