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Album Review: Full Circle
Lawson Rollins
Cover image of the album Full Circle by Lawson Rollins
Full Circle
Lawson Rollins
2013 / Infinita Records
56 minutes
Review by Michael Debbage
So the ridiculous mad pace of releasing the fourth album in six calendar years since the impressive debut Infinita continued. However, in the world of Lawson Rollins haste does NOT make waste as his latest effort Full Circle promises to be something a tad bit different. And it certainly fulfills the promise already reflected on the simple black and white cover photo extending to its musical contents with a slimmed down slightly sparser production with a core band of the usual suspects. But less does not mean less because despite this more streamlined and focused performance of Rollins we have yet again another staggering and sizzling performance. Still focusing on a globalized musical front, Lawson has effectively merged this approach with a more accessible commercial feel yet without the cries of a sellout.

Rollins ever present musical friends are this time restricted to Dominic Camardella on the keyboards, David Bryant on the drums, Randy Tico on bass, Charlie Bisharat on violin, Cameron Stone on cello and Richard Hardy on various horns and flutes. Needless to say Rollins is in great company but this time around his latest creation is even tighter and more cohesive. The moment the musical gates open you will be immediately drawn and inhaled courtesy of the toe tapping melodic “Momentum”. Rollins gives his peer Jesse Cook a run for his money here with a beautiful fluid performance with the band already in full overdrive. Similar results can be found on the firecracker “Pursuit” and while we are not sure what are who Rollins is chasing, this song will certainly quicken your musical pulse.

Temptresses such as the above are countered by the less obvious seduction of “Flight” which lies closer to an exotic Rippington/Russ Freeman performance accentuated by an accordion effect likely from Dominic Camardella. Or perhaps you are in the mood for a more progressive moment that can be found courtesy of the enduring eight minutes plus of the endearing “Gone From Here”. Here the entire band is in full bloom with a complete cohesive performance without parading themselves or showboating.

If a leisurely pace is more your cup of tea then seek out “Bloom” with paralleling performances such as this to be found throughout Full Circle. But if you are really looking for a reflective Rollins, fast forward to “The Offering” that is beautified in its simplicity. It is probably Lawson Rollins’ most retrospective moment to date and to say that it is breathtaking is still a complete understatement. This beauty is mirrored by the poignant performance on “Promise” where Charlie Bisharat’s string collaboration is in complete unison with Rollins reserved presentation. What a simply beautiful way to close a stunning album.

Word on the street is that this may be Lawson Rollins finest creation to date. Considering the high quality material that he has released since 2008 this would be a difficult challenge to meet. However, should you decide to take this new musical adventure with this incredible flamenco guitarist, you can be reassured that the word on the street is extremely accurate and credible as you are in for one incredible audio delight.
July 13, 2013
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Guitar musicMichael's Favorites: 2013
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