Richie Lawrence reunites
with old family friend for Solo Debut "MELANCHOLY WALTZ"
For his solo debut, Melancholy Waltz, singer-songwriter Richie Lawrence partners with a childhood friend: the family's 1917 Model AIII Steinway Grand Piano. The disc, due February 2 on Big Book Records, features 12 gorgeous piano and accordion instrumentals and songs, harmony vocals by I See Hawks In L.A. An unassuming, yet beautiful collection, the title Melancholy Waltz aptly captures the sophistication of Richie's unique blend of Americana, blues and folk: 10 original compositions haunted by the spirit of 1900's New Orleans, one stunning blues interpretation of Beethoven's "Fur Elise," and one sweet duet with his wife, Katie. Richie's raw and quirky virtuosity is front and center, and the songs reflect a tumultuous decade in world history, expressed in a way that is deeply sad and sincerely hopeful, a Melancholy Waltz. On "My Oklahoma Hills," a tribute to his heritage, he longingly sings: "I left my home behind me/ My dreams do travel there still/ Through prairie ocean grasses/ My Oklahoma Hills." A debut 30-years in the making, Melancholy Waltz is a turn inward for Richie, deep into his own songwriting and personal world view, and a full embrace of his timeless and deep grasp of American piano. And now with Melancholy Waltz, Richie comes full circle returning to the musical beginnings and his Steinway Grand Piano.