Lawrence Watson releases new CD Prescriptions
I have known Larry for many years, collaborating and producing a diversity film/music project for the State of Connecticut entitled, Differences. We are kindred spirits and I continue to be in awe of this incredible individual, with his passion for music and social justice- He truly is an inspiration to us all as an icon in the R & B world. His music touches your soul, with passion, truth. Founder, President and Artistic Director of SaveOurSelves Productions and Consulting, Watson remains committed to the preservation and performance of African descent musical expression. The Motto of the company, "If we don't SaveOurSelves no one else will.
The songs on Prescriptions have worked as "medicine" during some of the tough and challenging times in our lives. Im addition to this new CD, His two CD's "The Journey" and "American Fruit with African Roots" are available on line.
Watson a soulful messenger -a modern day Paul Robeson, has wowed audiences throughout his career. He shares with us about this much awaited musical endeavor;"I proudly and humbly present to you a labor of love that was nearly two years in production and a lifetime in the making. My new CD, Prescriptions, is a collection of remedies that have helped us and our mothers and fathers to navigate the many emotions in our lives such as pain, confusion, narcissism, joy, anger, and mourning"
The CD can be bought through this website.
http://www.saveourselvesproductions.com
Kay Bourne music critic for the Bay State Banner writes,"This powerful baritone, who easily swoops up to the tenor range, sings with a groovy beat lyrics that convey messages smoothly delivered yet relevant to the Black Cause. He is the respected inheritor of the Great Black Music tradition of blues, jazz, and gospel and his own man too."
~Philip Doran Bailey, Berklee alumnus and vocalist/percussionist for Earth, Wind & Fire writes:"Sankofa writes; "He has done it again. The medicine man, Lawrence Watson, the truest keep of the tradition that I know of, has provided Prescriptions. Not art for art's sake, but music for the healing and restoration of the human spirit. Larry Watson celebrates thirty years of performing throughout the New England areas and around the world.”Educated in the tradition of our musician priest, Larry has used refined senses and ancestral knowledge to identify the medicine present in our musical environment; from pop to jazz to spirituals. In keeping with African traditions of healing, he has activated the medicinal power contained in each song through his Word Power. Watson as the elder has called together the ancestors, the forces of nature and the will of the Almighty in this sacred record(re-cord). The circle is unbroken.Sankofa! The spirit of Truth is reborn. The message is clear. Through God’s power, self-reflection, love, intimate communication and harmony with what is natural, we can and must save ourselves.”
Mr. Berry Gordy, Founder of the Motown Record Company, the most successful record company of the 20th Century said the following,"First I want to say as great as Motown was, if we had had Larry Watson(Thunderous applause )it would have been off the charts if he would have been there."
Lawrence Watson is in the final stages of his long awaited book of his original music and special arrangements of all time classic standards. The book entitled "H.E.M Music" focuses on what he refers to as "Highly Emotional music. The book will in addition to offering the audience 25 classic songs is illustrated by young urban Hip Hop artist of color. The book is an insightful look at the social history of people of African descent through their popular musical forms. All of the illustrations in the book capture visually the intention of the songs. Being a Master teacher, Watson has used this opportunity to highlight the often overlooked young Black talent in America. It is one of the few examples of a classic collaboration between visual and musical artists in the Black community.
Larry Watson has shared the stage with is an impressive who's who of Soul/R & B Icons. He has been special guest with billing on concerts with Al Green, Smokey Robinson, Oleta Adams, Little Richard, Gladys Knight, The Neville Brothers, Tata Vega, Jean Carne, and The Boston Pop Orchestra. He has also been the soloist at several events honoring three supreme court justices,President Nelson Mandela, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, The Honorable Reverend Desmond Tutu, and President Barack Obama.
