Tom Lawson

Tom Lawson, although known primarily as keyboardist/vocalist with bands throughout California, has written songs since his days in LA during the height of the Sunset Strip music revolution. His piano and organ styles are drawn from Jimmy Smith, Sunnyland Slim, Charles Brown, Ramsey Lewis, Eddie Cano, Dr. John and other keyboard heroes, with a vocal style recalling, at various times, Dr. John, Randy Newman, or Van Morrison. His over 100 copyrighted compositions span blues, rock and gospel and have been performed in clubs and on concert stages, on radio and the internet, as well as in churches. Tom’s current CD, Blues at Eleven, features thirteen originals (twelve by Tom, one by Sahra Baker) and is designed to showcase “American music” styles, blues included but much more. In early 2008 Tom and his rhythm section the Groovehounds stopped their active performance schedule and focused exclusively on this project. The teamwork and precision they show is obvious—the Groovehounds (Joe Vallaire on bass and Jamey DeMaria on drums and percussion) have a twenty-five year history with Tom and are considered to be one of the top rhythm sections on the west coast. Other performers featured on the CD include Tom Ayres, Bill Vallaire, Harpin’ Jonny, Bishop Mayfield, Ms. Taylor P. Collins, Tamas Marius, Charlie Wallace, and John Michael, plus Robert H. Pulido and Andy Sierra of the Chicano Allstars. Tom’s blues song “She’s Too Young to Know” has enjoyed airplay on stations across the country and in Europe since its 2007 release on the Red Beans and Rice Hot and Spicy CD. Tom says, “While I would never give up performing, my goal—my real goal—is to affect people with songs that tell stories about life, about something that is real to them, something that they have been through or are going through and can identify with. The highest compliment I receive is when someone tells me they really like the words to one of my songs.”