San Francisco, Calif. (Top40 Charts/ Great Scott P.R.oductions) Prodigious guitarist
Lawson Rollins' "Full Circle," a riveting 12-song aural adventure crammed with culture and masterful musicianship that was released today by Infinita Records, is like traversing the world without the hassles of modern travel. Rollins' fourth album, which he produced with multi-platinum producer Dominic Camardella (Ottmar Liebert, Flora Purim, 3rd Force), explores the borderless expanse of captivating melodies and fascinating global rhythms while discovering multicultural sounds that play like the ideal soundtrack for an intriguing
National Geographic expedition. The first radio single, "Momentum," paced by a driving groove, frenetic fretwork and hints of Japanese folk music, has consistently been one of the most added tracks on the Billboard BDS for more than a month.
Rollins composed "Full Circle," which mirrors his own artistic journey. On earlier releases, he crisscrossed the world on a quest to amass interesting styles to incorporate into his sonic collages that mine world music, jazz, rock, classical, folk and reggae. Along the way, he unearthed a fondness for Latin, Middle Eastern, African and Japanese sounds and instrumentation. Rollins recorded with the finest native musicians to maintain authenticity. On "Full Circle," he decided to travel with a smaller suitcase thus packed fewer layers into the still lush tracks, which places the focus on his ensnaring melodies and body-moving grooves. He uses concise musical statements plucked with passion and precision primarily on his nylon string Spanish guitar although he also played classical, flamenco and electric guitars, keyboards and drum programming on the record. Rollins was accompanied by the same core ensemble that played on his three previous releases: Camardella (keyboards, piano), Grammy-winning violinist Charlie Bisharat, bassist Randy Tico, percussionist Dave Bryant and saxophonist/flutist Richard Hardy. Following a more direct path led Rollins back home creatively recalling his recordings from over a decade ago when he was a member of the hybrid world music duo Young & Rollins that favored flamenco, samba and rumba rhythms.
In addition to the warm reception at radio, reviewers are finding favor with "Full Circle." Below are snippets from some of the reviews.
"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. Other artists have attempted similar releases but the results fall short by comparison. '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
For more information, please visit www.lawsonrollins.com where you can also watch his mesmerizing video clips that have generated over 7.5 million YouTube views.
-Bra.jpg)
