Album Notes

"Let's have a hand for John Lawler, a great guitar player."

jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson


"I wish all my students could hear John play. He does things that just can't be taught."

World renown classical guitarist and columnist for 'Guitar Player Magazine', Benjamin Verdery


John Lawler has been performing in and around the Chicago area for over twenty years. His unique instrumental style appeals to musicians and music lovers of all types. In 1989 Lawler was one of only eight guitarists from around the world chosen to perform his original instrumental compositions at the prestigious American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival. This festival has featured performances by such guitarists as Leo Kottke, Chet Atkins and Tuck Andress.

Lawler was personally invited by world renown classical guitarist and columnist for Guitar Player Magazine, Benjamin Verdery to perform at Mr. Verdery's master class in Chicago. He has performed with Sonia Dada lead singer Paris Delane and has opened for jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson.

His debut CD, '1743', combines instrumental and vocal music that describe some very personal journeys that we all go through sooner or later. 'Angel Cafe', features the haunting voice of Chicago Rose as the counterpart to the suffering patron in the song. Lawler's sense of humor shows itself throughout the CD, often during some of the darkest moments. But the joy in such pieces as '80 West', 'Girl on a Bicycle' and 'Wheels' leave you with an, "Everything will be OK." feeling.

All tracks on the '1743' CD were written and arranged by John Lawler except, 'Wheels', which was written by Jimmy Torres and arranged for fingerstyle guitar by Muriel Anderson.

'Screen Magazine' writes about Lawler's '1743' CD, in their December 1, 2003 (Volume 24, No. 24) issue:

'The sound can be described as jazz, although the mix of folk and R and B combined with the absence of drums brings a boogie feel to the album.'

Lawler uses percussionist Kevin Patrick and five string fretless bassist Mark Beringer on many of the tunes.
The overall effect is an intimate sound. At times you feel as if you're being told a well gaurded secret.


Musicians on '1743':

John Lawler - guitar and vocals
Mark Beringer - electric five string and acoustic bass
Kevin Patrick - percussion and vocals
Chicago Rose - vocals and whistle (on 'Wheels')
Heather Horton - electric violin
Cory Radford - drums on 'Wheels'
Brian Murry - tenor sax on 'Wheels'


visit: allaboutjohn.com