Today's Country
...tomorrow's country...TODAY!
LAWLER LAYS DOWN THE LAW
By S. Parks
The truly original showcase introduction was a welcome surprise when Tiffany, yes, “the” Tiffany, took the stage to introduce her talented friend at Nashville’s 12th and Porter. She went on to talk about an artist’s relentless passion to perform anytime and anywhere, well exemplified when the lights went down as Primo, the club’s primo sound engineer, played a recording. It was a short audio clip of this superstar (who once gave Debbie Gibson a run for her money) singing at the age of three. That’s how to intro an artist in her showcase.
In a multi-colored flood of lights, Lindsay Lawler blazed onto the famous stage like a pony that had just been let out of its stall. It only took seconds for the electrified artist to get and then keep our attention. The more we heard, the more we wanted to hear from this Sooner-born singer who didn’t sound like anyone but herself.
Just by the design of her logo, we knew in advance that this would probably be no ordinary performer. With a group of musicians well-versed in the fusion of country and rock, Lindsay’s passionate vocals were accented throughout by her equally zealous stage presence. Setting her apart from others, her dance moves created a moving illustration on the stage, not just the usual rocking to the beat but focused arm and hand movements completing the picture, much like a figure skater’s motions that were seasoned with a smidge of the Jagger hip swing. It could be no surprise to learn that this performer has opened for Kid Rock, played Sunset Strip’s Viper Room and enjoyed being a nationally syndicated radio personality on Kidd Kraddick in the Morning.
As this Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge crowd favorite began with “I’ve Always Been a Rebel”, we could easily connect the delivery with the image portrayed on her new CD as she poses at the grill of a semi. In a black fringed mini and the highest of heels, she ran through “My Name Ain’t Baby”, meaning just what it says, “Spin the Bottle” and the up-tempo “Truckers and Rodeo Crowds”. “Dirt on her Dress” was as country as can be in this fiery set of songs that were all co-written by Lindsay, recorded at Villa Sound and mixed at the celebrated Sound Stage Studio. She saved a surprise for the end then she blew it all out with a song she had written for Whitesnake (must have been before she was born). We recognized the opening chords instantly for “Here I Go Again”.
A performance you shouldn’t miss, a site you must visit and listen up, a CD you’ll have to have, and a career you’ll want to watch - that would be Lindsay Lawler. Speaking for a good part of Nashville, we think we’ll keep her.
Lindsay Lawler is at www.myspace.com/LindsayLawler
Tiffany sings at www.tiffany.org/music/
Contact S. Parks at musicmusicmusic100@hotmail.com
Photo credit ©2009 S-Parks Creative and Custom Guitars
