<![CDATA[RICHIE LAWRENCE - Press Coverage]]>

<![CDATA[RICHIE LAWRENCE - Press Coverage]]>Sun, 22 Mar 2026 18:26:22 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[4 STARS - RnR Magazine]]>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:54:43 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/4-stars-rnr-magazinehttp://www.rock-n-reel.co.uk/
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RICHIE LAWRENCE
****
Moving At The Speed Of Trees
(BIGBOOK) www.richielawrence.com

"I was straight away sucked in to this album by the first track, in which Richie Lawrence sings of, it is assumed, a relative emigrating to the USA to make a better life (as my own grandfather did in the 30s, only to return to Scotland penniless after seven years). In this case, the subject stays, and through determination succeeds. The narrative continues with a further eleven songs, some sole compositions, and others co-writes with Katie Thomas, and the late Paul James Lacques, although an impressive cover of Ray Bonneville's `Lone Freighter's Wail' is a splendid inclusion.

Katie Thomas has an angelic voice that perfectly complements the material -shining solo on several tracks, notably `Leaving You'. Richie Lawrence is a brilliant piano-accordionist with masses of experience and has gathered a stellar cast of musicians, including the superb Dave Zirbel on pedal steel, on two tracks. Tony Gilkyson nails the lead guitar part for `The Poetry Of Lust'. Moving At The Speed Of Trees is a well-constructed, confidently produced and beautifully presented selection of material."
Grem Devlin (RnR Magazine)]]><![CDATA[4 STARS - Paris-Move]]>Wed, 12 Mar 2025 19:44:10 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/4-stars-paris-moveRICHIE LAWRENCE – MOVING AT THE SPEED OF TREES 4 STARS
Big Book Records

"In addition to his appearance as a Southern plantation foreman from the century before last (threadbare Stetson à la Doug Sahm, hair and goatee à la Wild Bill Hicock), Richie Lawrence boasts the gold-edged curriculum of a Zelig in terms of Americana. Born in Tulsa (Oklahoma) during the presidency of Dwight Eisenhower (not far from the native places of JJ Cale and Leon Russell), the young Richie had a rural childhood, illuminated by his encounter with his family's Steinway grand piano, on whose keys he first became familiar with the blues of Otis Spann, the Louisiana R&B of Professor Longhair, the rock n' roll of Jerry Lee Lewis and the rich panel of Garth Hudson within the Band. He migrated to Colorado at the turn of the seventies, to get involved with the local scene (and notably Ray Bonneville, with whom he had the opportunity to open the respective shows of Willie Dixon, John Hammond, Mance Lipscomb and the Ramones – yes), before relocating to L.A. for the following decade. While starting a career as a session man, he continued to make money there by hopping among big names such as Steve Goodman, Bonnie Raitt, Crystal Gayle, America and George Thorogood, before making the decisive meeting with Paul Lacques (future eminent member of I See Hawks In L.A.). As close as thieves, our two lads began by collaborating for seven years in Rotondi (a musical-theatrical revue with a burlesque polka tendency, which released four albums and was featured on numerous national television programs), during which Richie added the accordion to his sound palette. It was then that the ants in his legs (and in his heart too) pushed him to Sacramento (where he married the singer Katie Thomas, with whom he performed from then on in Horse Sense, then the Loose Acoustic Trio), as well as I See Hawks In LA, where he joined his friend Lacques. It wasn't until 2010 (on the eve of his sixtieth birthday) that Richie finally decided to record his first solo album (the instrumental "Melancholy Waltz"), followed two years later by "Water" (with his own band, The Yolos), and finally by "Rue Sanxay" in 2015.

It took a decade for this very busy musician to finally grace us with this fourth opus, which was about to be produced by his faithful colleague Paul Lacques. Alas, the latter having been taken by illness last year, it was Richie and his regular who finally stuck to it, and if these lovebirds co-sign the beautiful “Isla” (where Richie’s accordion and keyboard support Katie’s mischievous tone), seven tracks are by Lawrence alone, while he also wrote one with his late friend Lacques and Robin Ginsburg, and another with Robert Rex Waller Jr (frontman of I See Hawks In LA, reviewed HERE, HERE and HERE, and whose recent solo album was also reviewed HERE). The faithful Ray Bonneville lends his languid “Lone Freighter’s Wail”, while Victoria Jacobs, current drummer of I See Hawks In LA, officiates on two tracks (and vocals on a third). In addition to our little couple (respectively on vocals, as well as on piano and accordion), a dozen musicians contribute to the arrangements of this album which opens with the poignant ballad “On The Boat”, where Richie’s dexterity on the ivories underpins his tone with a precarious but touching accuracy (in the manner of a Ray Davies in a similar exercise). A fan of the late Nicky Hopkins, Lawrence gives this piece (as well as the splendid “The Poetry Of Lust”) a very European preciousness, close to that of the no less regretted Gary Brooker (or the refined Ben Sidran). Drummer Shawn Nourse (Dwight Yoakam, also ex-Hawks In LA) provides most of the drumming with subtlety, while also acting as sound engineer, and Mr and Mrs duet on the nostalgic but blissful “Life Long Lived”, before the country flavor of I See Hawks In LA invites itself for a biographical “Oh Me Oh My” co-written by Robert Rex Waller (with Dave Zirbel’s pedal-steel, and the same Waller on lead vocals). To further confirm this lineage, it is the bassist of this band, Paul Marshall, who intervenes on this track, as well as on the ragtime swing “Big Fun” which follows. Katie interprets the bluegrass walz “Leaving You” (where the mandolin of Rick Shea, collaborator of the great Dave Alvin, shines), before the stride piano in the style of Mose Allison invites itself for an “Infable” with a truly irresistible swing. We then realize how much this devil Lawrence also knows his jazz inside out (while spotting the album's generic title on its coda). The couple sings "The Wonderful Waltz" in unison, before the solo piano instrumental "Emily Dickinson" takes on the trappings of an expressionist film soundtrack, preceding the moving "I Believe in You" where Richie renews his vows to his beloved on the keyboard. A beautiful conclusion to an album full of emotion."

Patrick Dallongeville Paris-Move]]><![CDATA[Americanca UK Feb 2025]]>Tue, 18 Feb 2025 23:07:54 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/americanca-uk-feb-2025Richie Lawrence “Moving at the Speed of Trees”
BIG BOOK MUSIC, 2025
February 18, 2025 John Lee Album Reviews, Reviews 0
A contemplative expression of music and heartfelt
storytelling

‘Moving at the Speed of Trees’ is Richie Lawrence’s fourth solo album. Known for his piano playing and thoughtful lyrics, Lawrence delivers a blend of profundity and whimsy across the album’s twelve tracks. The original intention for the album was for it to be co-produced by Paul Lacques (I See Hawks in L.A.), but sadly, he died at the beginning of 2024. Despite this loss, his creative touch is still present in two songs that he co-wrote (‘Leaving You’ and ‘The Wonderful Waltz’). Collaboration is a key element of the album, most notably with Lawrence’s wife, Katie Thomas, who co-writes one song and provides vocals on a number of tracks.
The album begins with ‘On the Boat’ which musically comes across almost like a child’s lullaby. However, this belies the depth and sadness of the lyrics. “I’d rather seal my heart than steal another day/Take what’s mine and stow myself away”, sings Lawrence and this sets the emotional tone of the album. Throughout the album, Lawrence seems to find a path between integrity and despair: the album is full of regret and reflects on dreams that have not been fulfilled, but there is also hope. Hope for future generations but also the hope found in true love. On ‘I Believe in You’ Lawrence shares the tender sentiment, “There’s nothing I can do/Save share my love with you/And let you find your way in this/a world defined by hope”, which feels a fitting and positive end to an album which also deals with old age and infidelity. Musically, Lawrence mirrors the tone of the lyrics too, which means the album draws from a whole range of musical styles. At the heart of this, however, is Lawrence’s piano, which perhaps has its greatest impact on songs like ‘The Poetry of Lust’. Throughout the album it’s supported by warm guitar lines, a touch of pedal steel and subtle, occasional accordion playing.
Lawrence has invited the listener to move at the speed of trees. If the world is moving too fast, his journey is one well worth taking.
7/10 Americana UK

]]><![CDATA[FolkWales verdict: Thumbs up!]]>Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/folkwales-verdict-thumbs-upMICK’S QUICKS
►Veteran sideman, wonderful singer-songwriter, pianist and accordion player Richie Lawrence releases his fourth solo album, Moving at the Speed of Trees (Big Book Records, BBR20); with the sensuous voice of his wife Katie Thomas taking the lead and harmonising, this is blues-roots Americana of at least 50 degrees proof. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, moved to Colorado and emigrated to Los Angeles, Richie is now in Sacramento, California; his super-intelligent music re-echoes and resounds, including such highlights as the opening storyteller ‘On the Boat’, the pedal steel whine of ‘Oh Me Oh My’, the lonely solitude of ‘Lone Freighter’s Wail’ and the exquisite grace of ‘The Wonderful Waltz’ – in fact, all 12 tracks are guaranteed sure-fire winners. FolkWales verdict: Thumbs up!

Folkwales On-line Magazine / Micks Quicks / January 2025

]]><![CDATA[Insurgent Country Music Review: Rue Sanxay by Johanna J. Bodde]]>Tue, 19 May 2015 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/insurgent-country-music-review-rue-sanxay-by-johanna-j-bodde“On this fine album 'Rue Sanxay' Richie serves us a deliciously varied buffet of eclectic music. A must-have for fans of the keys: piano and accordion. I just hope Richie will sing a bit more again, on his next record. If you want to hear a true professional, listen to Richie Lawrence!”

Big Book Records

On his latest album, Sacramento singer-songwriter Richie Lawrence takes an eclectic approach with a new take on old favorite sounds.

The 10 tracks on Rue Sanxay include a host of guest musicians as well as Matt Baxter on guitars and mandolin, Scott Prawalsky on bass, Bart van der Zeeuw on drums and Katie Thomas on vocals.

It's Thomas' contributions in particular that elevate many of the songs to new, beautiful heights. Lawrence's longtime musical collaborator and wife takes lead vocals on three songs, “Play On,” “Oxford Town,” and the melancholic “When I Find My Love Some Day.” Here, Thomas' warm vocals float atop a feathery bed of gentle, Western frontier-appropriate strings as she reflects on love. It's a cowgirl's lament, but without the kitsch too often present in modern Americana.

On “Over and Over” Thomas also joins Lawrence for a slow number that feels as though it were born from a bottle of good cognac and gently steeped in cigarette smoke. The title track, an instrumental written in Paris, carries itself like a French waltz, dipping and curtsying with bright, vibrant notes.

Rue Sanxay makes for a varied, often unexpected assortment of sounds. The beauty is that even as songs expertly traverse genres, they're threaded together by a sense of history and heart. In short, it never sounds as if the musicians are just playing dress-up. Rue Sanxay's out now and this Saturday, Lawrence and Thomas will perform songs from the album at Luna's Cafe. Gene Williams, the couple's pal from Los Angeles, will also be on the bill. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18, $8. Luna's Cafe, 1414 16th Street

]]><![CDATA[Blogcritic.org Music Review: Melancholy Waltz]]>Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/blogcriticorg-music-review-melancholy-waltz“there's something powerful and joyful about his piano compositions
that's hard to explain, my favorite is the "Bee's Blues", which weaves the
classic melody of "Für Elise" with a series of lively ragtime blues riffs that I
can listen to over and over again.

Richie Lawrence's three decades of experience playing music
professionally truly come through in this great album. If you have a love for
original piano compositions as I do, be sure to pick up Melancholy Hills”

]]><![CDATA[The Next Big Thing Review 64: Melancholy Waltz]]>Tue, 11 May 2010 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.richielawrence.com/press-coverage/the-next-big-thing-review-64-melancholy-waltz“This is what music is meant to do, I am transported….
Magically Lawrence creates secular hymns crossed with just the right hint of
music hall bawdiness. When there is regret it is gentle and when there is love it is profound and utterly moving.”