The Persuasions made something like 40 albums in 22 years with Jerry Lawson as their lead singer and arranger, but until recently their album of Frank Zappa covers was pretty much all I knew of Mr. Lawson’s singing. They just didn’t play The Persuasions on the radio in the little town where I grew up, I guess. But I love some of their versions of Zappa and Mothers of Invention songs like “Electric Aunt Jemima” and “Anyway The Wind Blows” and “The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing.” What a voice Lawson has, and what an ear for an arrangement. Now at 71 he has released his first solo record, this time with a full band of some of the best players in alternative Nashville. He covers the expected blues and soul but also country, folk, rock - even the Grateful Dead. His voice is just as sweet as ever and he still knows his way around a song.
You can read my review for more.
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