David Lawrence & the Spoonful's CO Album Release Shows

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The music that I love is roots music. It's rich, deep and shared like bread, between travelers & around campfires. It's nourishing. It's blues music played on a old guitar, or a finger-picking Americana song that everyone does a little differently. My goal with this album was to hone my songwriting and craft a studio album with no limitation on the vision, style, instrumentation or arrangement. Something with a fresh voice and an old soul. I met my producer Thom LaFond, frontman of Banshee Tree, when I first moved to Colorado through our love of vintage gypsy jazz and swing music. I knew he had to bring this album to life. Thom became my co-arranger, drummer, vocal coach, and therapist. 

I collaborated with the best musicians in Colorado and let the songs develop on their own. When I wrote 'I'm doing Fine' in April 2020 trapped in my Denver Apt. I heard the rich tones of an organ pulsing through the chord changes. Hence Jon Wirtz and his masterfully intuitive organ playing. I always heard 'Cupcakes & Cigarettes' with a sick Trumpet solo. Cue Gabe Mervine, formerly of Motet and Denver Jazz superstar. Core Spoonful band-member Coleman Smith is not only a virtuosic violinist and internationally touring musician (Rapidgrass & Bluegrass Journeymen) but a dear friend and musical soul-mate. Coleman has the incredible knack for creating the perfect counter-melody that brings out the emotion of the lyrics. 

The title track 'Lean In' was written when the album was already completed! Thom, our sound engineer Jay Elliot and all my friends and family insisted I go back to the studio to cut the track. We only had three hours to complete the song and what resulted was an intimate stripped down love song. A contrast to the more heavily produced album. It was clear that this song, written about my first kiss with my wife Yuko, had to be the title track. It's about being vulnerable, taking chances, and leaning in without knowing if the world is going to lean back. Working for years to put out a debut original album, becoming a new father, and growing a career in music all require the courage to Lean In. 

The album features Recording Engineer Jay Elliot, and Mastering guru, Kyle Vandy, & Album Art by Elias Armao from Dogged Line Design. It features tons of incredible artists and musicians! Coleman Smith from Rapidgrass is featured on fiddle, mandolin & helped with writing & arrangement, and even delivered some needed background vocals on Lean-in. Jon Wirtz on Organ, Gabe Mervine on Trumpet, Bonnie Culpepper on background vocals, and Gary Sloan & Bob Songster split the heavy lifting on the upright bass.