Lawrence App Performing at The Garlic

Lawrence App performs at The Garlic in New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday December 3rd.

THE GARLIC, 556 E. Third Ave., New Smyrna Beach. 386-424-6660. Jazz guitarist/vocalist Lawrence App, 6-10 p.m. Wednesday.

Intro to the Dark into Light CD, 2004

This project by singer/multi-instrumentalist Lawrence App, Dark Into Light, (DIL) was released in December 2004. In an era defined by category fragmentation and hyphenated styles, the disc's nine tunes take stylistic turns somewhere between the realms of acoustic pop, jazz, and world fusion-but in ways pretty unique to Lawrence's background.

Originally from a home of jazz musicians, he spent many years on the road and in clubs playing in show bands and reggae groups before returning to school to earn degrees in jazz studies and ethnomusicology. This first solo effort by Lawrence strikes the balance between street-wise and studious; between the visceral and the ethereal, framed in the shifting musical textures and thoughtful lyrics of Dark Into Light.

The albums centerpiece is Lawrence's vocals (Songwriter Showcase of America's Best Male Vocalist of the Year award in 2004). His low tenor range can morph from funky jazz to a breathy ballad sound from one track to the next. In addition to singing and writing most of the material on DIL, Lawrence plays nearly a dozen different instruments. His main axes are acoustic and electric guitar, but throughout the disc he plays bass, keyboards, steel drums, drumset, congas, and various other hand drums like the djembe, dumbeq, and asiko.

Some fine musicians, many of them long-time associates, added to the musical depth of the project. Eric Mason (of Windjammer) deftly handled the intricate but funky drumming on three tracks (think Manu Cache). One of Jacksonville top session men, Scott Rademacher added some sizzling saxophone work on four cuts. In addition Peter Miles, Dan Walters, and Jonathan May among others contributed some fine playing.

As for the nine tunes on DIL, Lawrence's songwriting and arranging provide numerous twists and unexpected turns. [Song links go to YouTube video performances where available, and otherwise, you can listen to sound tracks on the CD Baby site.]

The album starts off with "Like Sunshine", an uplifting, danceable tune inspired by Gilberto Gil and Papa Wemba, but is immediately followed by the haunting Keith Jarret-ish instrumental "Lake Alice".

The third cut, "Bassline", may be the most radio-friendly tune, reminiscent of some of Sting's or Steely Dan's work.

"Lindsey" is a beautiful acoustic ballad featuring steel drums and written for his daughter.

"Dreaming", another world/pop/jazz tune is next, followed by the almost New-Age "Harmony Rag."

"Long Gone" is a catchy not-pop tune in 5/4 inspired by Milton Nascimento and featuring some Santana-ish guitar work.

The one cover tune is what Lawrence calls his "Daniel Lanois" arrangement of Duke Ellington's "Fleurette Africaine" (from Money Jungle).

The final cut is a Joni Mitchell inspired ode to nocturna called "Middle of the Night" (with apologies to John McLaughlin).

(content same as that on CD Baby DIL intro)

Like Sunshine

I feel the world slipping off my shoulders,
an open road lies out ahead.
I know that the days are getting longer.
The buzzing song of summer fills my head.

It's like every voice I hear is
singing like sunshine.
I feel your warmth shining on my face.
A wordless smile says everything's okay.

When it seems that darkness has filled this place
you 'll know in time it's best to walk away.
I turn my ear to the sky, it's
singing like sunshine.

Like sunshine--hear it in the children's laughter.
Like sunshine--or lose it in the moment after.
Like sunshine--dressed up in red, green, and gold.
Like sunshine--something kind of spiritual like sunshine.

It's like the feeling I once had for my mother
or a friend I haven't seen in years--
a love so deep I can't repeat its name.
The prodigal's face reappears.
All at once I recognize the
singing of sunshine.

Chorus

Sometimes when your memory fades away
and darkness fills my thoughts like a dozen rainy days.
Feels like I'll always be alone but
if I made it this far I'm gonna find my way home.

Hey, sunshine
I haven't seen you in a long time.
Why won't you chase the shadows from my mind.
Though I can't make you stay
I know just for today I'll be
singing like sunshine.

Like sunshine--hear it in the children's laughter
Like sunshine--or lose it in the moment after.
Like sunshine--dressed up in red green and gold.
Like sunshine--looking so beautiful.
Like sunshine--she's so spiritual like sunshine.

LApp: vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, keys
Eric Mason: drums
Scott Rademacher: soprano sax
Jonathan May: cello
Chuck Stites: violin, viola

Bassline

The freezing wind burns his face
as the sidewalk leads him on.
His skin turned hard from years in the city.
And dreaming of some distant place
he drifts off like a song--
forgotten but for a trace of a melody.

His memory lives in the bassline.
The city moves to the bassline.
Stripped down to the core,
no time for dreams of home--

Never hears from friends or family.
It washes over him once more,
a wave of solitude--
dissolves into an urban symphony.

His memory lives in the bassline.
The city moves to the bassline.
His heart and soul's in the bassline.
Stay close to the ground with the bassline.

Maybe some bright and sunny day
His voice will rise above the crowd,
but when the smoke has cleared away
his roots live underground.

His memory lives in the bassline.
The city moves to the bassline.
His heart and soul's in the bassline.
Stay close to the ground with the bassline.

LApp: vocals, acoustic guitar, bass
Eric Mason: drums
Scott Rademacher: solo tenor sax
Ray Guiser: sax section
Pete Waidelich: trumpet

Lindsey

Feels just like the first time that I ever fell in love;
I never will forget the day she came.
Someone so small has caused everything to change.
My friends said things will never be the same.

I found my life illumined in a different shade of light.
Her little voice is like a song to me.
She smiles as if we'd known each other somewhere long ago.
I always knew her name would have to be

Lindsey, like flowing water
Lindsey, she's my daughter
Lindsey, I love her.
Lindsey.

Then before I knew it she had gone out on her own,
I never thought the day would come so fast.
I trust our love is stronger than the turning in the world.
I know I can't keep living in the past.

The more we grow apart I see how much we are the same.
When I look at you I look at me.
I wish that I could hold you close like when you were a child
and still pretend we are a family.

Lindsey, you know I miss her.
Lindsey, I long to kiss her.
Lindsey, know I love her.
Lindsey.

Things I hold so near and the ones I love so dear,
one by one I've had to let 'em go.
But save this time together before life goes moving on
because we're all God's children here below.

And when I see you eye to eye I know we'll meet again
like the rivers flowing to the sea.
If absence makes the heart grow fonder it doesn't stop the pain but
because my love is strong I set you free.

Lindsey, yes I love her.
Lindsey, like no other.
Lindsey, yes I miss her.
Lindsey.

LApp: vocals, acoustic guitar, congas, asiko, dumbeq, steel drums

Dreaming

Every day it's the same old thing:
a struggle just to walk out my front door.
Every day leaves me wondering
what I'm really working so hard for.

If there is a reason
and a time for every season
why is the picture so obscure?

Every time I fail
when I try to pierce the veil.
Illusion is secure.

Everything is it's own reward:
posessions are like props upon a stage.
Everything winds up so absurd:
the show must go on just to earn a wage.

I work my life away
and I still can't seem to pay
the price exacted for some peace of mind.

When my life is through
and the payment's overdue,
gonna leave it all behind.

Everybody that I have known
when I look into their eyes they mirror me.
Everybody winds up all alone
left to reconcile with destiny.

I tried to find salvation
in the church, the state, and nation;
the promised land is just a fantasy.

My days go slipping by
while I stare into the sky--
verge of insanity...

Every day brings a brand new thing:
I draw the blinds, turn off the morning news.
Every day leaves me wondering
if freedom means there's nothing left to lose.

My mind is running wild
like a hyperactive child.
The burden of this freedom is a scream.

Am I really free?
Oh, my thoughts won't let me.
Am I awake or am I dreaming?

Everyday I'm dreaming.
Everyday is just like dreaming.

LApp: vocals, acoustic guitar
Eric Mason: drums
Scott Rademacher: soprano sax
Dan Walters: fretless bass
Jonathan May: cello

Harmony Rag by Phil Fox

Music in the woodlands, songs in the sea
Whispers on the wind rise in strange melody.
Somedays when it's still; somedays when I will--
I hear quiet voices calling to me.
Music in the sleeping earth
Music in her sighs
Music in the sleeping earth
Singing in the skies.

When you're all alone and the long day is through
Take a little time and you'll find that it's true:
Everywhere you go listen and you'll know
There are quiet voices calling to you.
Music in the sleeping earth
Music in her sighs
Music in the sleeping earth
Singing in the skies.

Phil Fox: song and lyrics
LApp: vocals, piano, acoustic guitar, drumset, percussion
Nandu Muley: tabla
Jonathan May: cello
Chuck Stites: violin, viola
Ray Guiser: flute, clarinet
Peetie: electric guitar

Long Gone

It was like a dream: vapor rising from the ground.
Cleared my eyes to see, nobody else around.
Then I saw you: that’s all it took to believe that
holding close was fun for both of us.
When you say you love me I can't help but wonder why.

I'll see you in another place and time.
It's not a lie to say I need you
but you wouldn't have it; love beyond a habit--it's passion's crime.

I leave you but come back yet another time.
It's hard work, the games you play
you draw me near and then push me away.

Expect me to go on.
I reach out but you're long gone.

Comes into my sleep like someone knocking at my door.
I turn and close my eyes, this yearning that I can't ignore.

Hooked on you and I can't turn myself away.
It's not a lie to say I need you
but you woudn't have it; love beyond a habit--it's passion's crime.
I leave you but we'll start another time.

Chorus
Solo

It's hard work, the games we play
you draw me near and then push me away.
It's too much to go on.
You reach out but I'm long gone.

Fading like the day, memories of loving you.
I think I'll get away; can't admit that we are through.
Through with you, I can't believe,
through with you.
Maybe just today I'll be long gone.

LApp: guitars, vocals, fretless bass
Peter Miles: drums

Middle of the Night

It's not you,
something else is on my mind.

Half past two,
the breeze and the moon invite.
I know sleep can wait
I hear the calling of the night.

Out of view,
the windows open watchful eyes of
midnight blue
flickers from the TV screens.

Like a fugitive I'm
shrinking from the headlight beams.

The things I do
my friends and neighbors fear to ask.

It's nothing new;
I dread the tedious working days.

In my secret life
I'm set in my nocturnal ways.

Nothing much to do
but steal through shafts of light and
dance to Luna's tune
beyond the neighbors' sight.

I love the middle of the night.

Fantasy:
I'm ruler of these empty streets.
My reverie:
the sleeping freeway's hissing drone.

You know darkness is the only time
they ever leave me alone.

Nothing much to do
but steal through shafts of light and
dance to Luna's tune
beyond the neighbors' sight.

Sparring with the air
and sprawled out on the lawn.
I don't even care
if I ever see the dawn.

I love the middle of the night.


LApp: guitar, fretless bass, vocals, drums
Ray Guiser: flute
Jonathan May: cello

Lawrence finishes his one-month hike of the Appalachain Trail

Lawrence is very grateful for the opportunity to live out a life-long dream of hiking on the AT. It was a great experience, full of beautiful scenery, physical challenge, and a deep sense of peace and fulfillment. He'll be back to music-making next week, but is already planning a longer hike for '09. Thanks to all the people who followed his hike and offered their support.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail for 1 Month

Lawrence App is hiking the Appalachian Trail for a month, and documenting his trip in a video blog called Hiking the AT with Laree.

With frequent posts, you can hike vicariously through his updates.

Lawrence is half way through now.