Southern Fried Funk
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Southern Fried Funk

Jacksonville, Florida, United States | INDIE | AFM

Jacksonville, Florida, United States | INDIE | AFM
Band Blues R&B

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"Derryck Lawrence's Music Deserves To Be Hard"

Anyone who has seen Derryck Lawrence perform live knows at least two things about him: he is a versatile and talented singer, and he knows how to entertain a crowd.
Las year the crowd at Yellowstone Valley Brewing’s Garage Pub got to experience both of these virtues, and at least one more: Derryck Lawrence’s original material is every bit as good as the soul, R ‘n’ B, rock and reggae covers that he has regularly entertained audiences in Billings with for several years. I predict – at least I hope – that he will continue to include at least a few songs from his latest album in his live performances from now on.
Lawrence has been performing off and on in Billings, Montana for a few decades. I first heard him with his band Ear Candy five or six years ago. That band regularly packed ‘em in tight at the Carlin, Casey’s or the Beanery for two nights on any given weekend. In between variations of that band, Lawrence has performed his Luther Vandross tribute act in Las Vegas, on cruise ships and in Chicago and many others places.

For the past year or two, he has fronted the funk rock band Primal Nation, as well as the acoustic cover band Shades of Grey. The Derryck Lawrence Project included talented Shades and P-Nation guitarist Marco Castro, as well as bassist Ern Cunningham and alto sax player Chad Korb. Those three, as well as the drummer and two backup vocalists, were all in fine form. The songs were more neo-soul and R ‘n’ B than his usual fare, although he did throw in a little reggae for good measure. The CD “Are You Ready” was co-produced by Maddy of the Billings hip-hop group the Honey Bear Klik at his Den Studios. Maddy joined Lawrence on stage for the rap he provides on the album track, “The Way Love Goes.” Everyone I spoke with during the show had nothing but great compliments for Lawrence’s performance and original material. Once again, I think it’s the right time for him to either mix up his sets with original music or try to perform separate solo shows of this material more regularly. This just in: the Derryck Lawrence Project is already booked In the Florida area: Feb. 14th at Jam Rock Caribbean Café, April 5th Fiesta Keys Kissimmee, FL (for the “All White” Caribbean Concert/Dinner and Pool Party) Featuring a Caribbean Buffet. Lawrence will be returning to Billings Montana on June 12th to perform at there A Live After 5 under the Sky Point. On Sat. June 14th Lawrence will be back at The Yellowstone Garage Brew Pub.
- Out Post(Scott P)


"The Talk of The Town"

On June 10th of 2008, The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino hosted the 5th Annual Connexion Music Festival. This years festival was held in Las Vegas, Nevada, for three days and two nights showcasing some of the hottest up and coming performers all over the world. Once the first day was done, the sold out pool side crowd had their feel of Rock and Country music, but for the next two days there was one artist that stood out from the rest Neo-Soul/Jazz Vocalist Derryck Lawrence.

After being told one day before the festival by his music director Robin Martinez that Derryck Lawrence’s band Ear Candy will not be attending this years music convention, Derryck turned to what he has been doing for the last 5 years," If Only for One Night" a tribute show to the late Mr. Luther Vandross . It was very obvious that Lawrence was on a mission to please.

(Lance Daniels Lead Vocalist of The Four Tops)

"After Derryck Lawrence hit his first note, he had my vote hands down. Everyone that witnessed this great tribute performance was blown away. By the time Derryck Lawrence was done, there was not a dry eye in the house."

( Ken Welston, Sound Tec.)

"Derryck Lawrence tore it up at this years Connexion Music Festival.

( Ken Welston, Sound Tec.)

Everyone fell in love with him, The Four Tops, Kool and The Gang and everyone that was not turned away from the sold out show. His band Ear Candy has no idea on what they missed out on. It wouldn’t have been the same without him!"

"The word got out so fast that weekend of Derryck’s tribute to Mr. Vandross, that by day three of the festival people were being turned away from the door clearly showing the music industry, clubs, hotels & casinos that this tribute show to the late great Mr. Luther Vandross is very well in demand !!!

Lawrence is now on a 35 city Tour Featuring “If Only for One Night” a tribute to the late Luther Vandross. “One thing for sure, the smart ear wont let this one get away.
www.jazztreemusic@hotmail.com for cities








- Story by Sago Paulo Las Vegas


"Was It Him or Luther Vandross"

Dear Agent,

One can only imagine that this is the type of correspondence the you receive from each of the location where your artist; Derryck Lawrence has performed as " Luther Vandross." In Wich he played a principal character, has been a tremendous success on borad the Permier Cruise Line Vessels.

Derryck Lawrence's salute to Luther - Premier Cruise Line


"The Man to Run To"

Derryck Lawrence andhis band Ear Candy has performed in our Grand Ball Room several times this past year. He has a great rapport with the gues and is able to adapt to the type of music that the crowd responds bet to. Derryck Lawrence is very versatile. He is able to go from slow music to snappy dance tunes ending with a heart stopping tribute to the great Luther Vandross with ease.

We took our needs to Mr. Lawrence and explained what we would like to hee happen in our ball room. Mr. Lawrence worked with it and made it happen. He is very open to suggestions and willing to adapt to fit the needs of the business as well as to accomodate late minute changes.

I would recommend Derryck Lawrence and his band Ear Candy to perform and/or entertain almost any group.

Lynnette Baisch
Entertainment Director - Holiday Inn Plaza-Honolulu HI


"Lawrence Provides Sweet Nightcap"

Enter to Santana's "Oye Como Va" with bassist Robin Martinez on vocals. This was the final song in a Santanathon, according to my table mates. The rest of the set was a funkfest that had the dance floor packed with Billings boogiers and the notorious Disco Doctor.

Mike Nordquist had replaced Clay Green on drums and Robin Martinez's brother Lance sat in on guitar. While the band sounded good, I sensed tension on stage during Lenny Kravitz's "Fly Away". Lawrence announced that this was his touring band, but time will tell since guitarist Marco Castro should be joining his other band Grudge soon.

As for The Carlin itself, renovations are under way for the new bistro going in. It may be a few months until the opening, but it should be a nice addition. As for the club itself, it has become a bit smaller with less seating, but the soundboard will eventually move to make room for more tables.

The Carlin's hopping contrast to Casey's empty tables Friday night was mainly due to Derryck Lawrence. His song selection, augmented by his showmanship, fills the place consistently. Casey's should try to book this guy. He and Jared Stewart continue to draw the biggest crowds in the Northwest region.

By Scott Prinzing - The Outpost (In Tune)


"Lawrence Goes Reggae"

When I first heard Derryck Lawrence at The Carlin a few months ago, I was under the somewhat false impression that I was in for an evening of reggae, but it did not dominate the set. Instead, there was a mix of reggae, modern rock and '70s funk. I could only stay for one set, so I wanted to give him another chance.

Again, last Friday night I was only able to make it for one set and was a little disappointed that only one reggae song, UB40's version of "Red Red Wine" made it in the set. The rest of the set consisted of a Lenny Kravitz song, two recent Santana songs and the Commodores "Funk favorite Brick House".

After three sets Saturday night, I was plenty satisfied. Reggae made up about a third of the material-mostly Marley ("Kinky Reggae", "Jamming", "Waiting in Vain") a few that I was unfamiliar with and a reprise of the UB40 song. In addition to the newer Santana there was a backflash to 1970 with Evil Ways.

When the second set started, the dance floor was filled and stayed that way the rest of the night. Kicking off with "Brick House", Lawrence and his band played a funkfest with Kool and the Gang's "Jungle Boogie" and "Fire" by the Ohio Players before Montel Jordon's "This is How We Do It" brought all the two-steppin couples on the floor. The rest of the set was a reggae medley-a litte bit of something for everyone.

Lawrence introduced his band Ear Candy. His long time friend and music director Robin Martinez has been laying down his funky bass lines with Lawrence from day one.

Lawrence may soon become another success story. He travels between Montana and Las Vegas where he has performed at The House of Blues. A gig performing a Luther Vandross tribute show for Premier Cruise Lines hints at his vocal abilities. Next month Lawrence travels back to a casino somewhere in (Utah?). We'll be lucky if he returns to Montana from time to time.

By Scott Prinzing - The Outpost (In Tune)


"Ear Candy's Back (Return of DL, Ear Candy)"

After spending several months performing in Hawaii and on cruise ships, Derryck Lawrence is back in town. He is regrouping his band Ear Candy-known for dancable covers of funk, reggae and Santana favorites.

Returning to the stage this weekend at Surfer Joe's will be guitarist Marco Castro, Bassist & music director Robin Martinez and drummer Clay Green. Keyboardist Russ Mummy (2001 Tuney winner) will be joining them for future gigs as well.

Lawrence also plans to put together a Motown revue with three other male vocalists. That type of show is very popular in other parts of the country and hasn't been done in Montana that I have ever heard of. A group in Portland, OR called Five Guys Named Mo' (not the touring show that was at the ABT a few years back) did Motown sounds as was always in demand.

Since Lawrence seems to be able to keep two or three musical combo's juggled at a time, this shouldn't be anything too unusual for him to pull off.

By Scott Prinzing - The Outpost (In Tune)


Discography

First Release: 2005
CD Title: Inside You
Air Play: Inside You

2nd Release: 2007
CD Title: Are You Ready
Air Play: Like This, The Way Love Goes

Photos

Bio

Primary Genre: Blues/Funk/Hip-Hop/ Neo-Soul
Secondary Genre: Luther Vandross Tribute/Solo
Contact Name: Ander Flossin
Phone: (775) 842-7102
Web: http://derrycklawrence.art.officelive.com
www.myspace.com/derrycklawrence4
Email: www.jazztreemusic@hotmail.com

Derryck Lawrence, Whom over the years has been refining and mastering his musical craft, which allows him to reach every conceivable audience.

I am Excited to inform you that Blues/Neo-Soul/Hip Hop recording artist Derryck Lawrence has relocated to Jacksonville, FL picking up new fans along the way and showing them that he is ready to make Florida his home.

With the release of his new cd “Are You Ready,” Mr. Lawrence is currently drawing 200-400 people per-night depending on the venue.

We at Jazz Tree Records are currently booking dates for his 2009 Season.

If you are interested in booking this very talented vocalist, please feel free to contact us at: jazztreemusic@hotmail.com

“ One Thing For Sure, The Smart Ear Wont Let This One Get By !”

NATURAL SELECTION, DERRYCK LAWRENCE
ARE YOU READY ?
Story by: Sago Paulo

Suffice it to say that after nearly one decades of remarkable performances and almost hits, Jazz Tree Records Inc. Neo-Soul/Blues/Hip Hop recording artists Derryck Lawrence -With a little help from producers Kay-Gee (Formally of Naughty By Nature) Tony Gonzales who as produced hit songs for, Freddy Jakson, Keith Washington ,will get his just do!

Derryck Lawrence is recognized as the premier male vocalist for the embodiment of his singular, sensuous blend of Neo-Soul, Blues and Hip Hop style. With the release of his new cd “ Are You Ready “ Derryck Lawrence is becoming a house hold name. “Are You Ready,” the single released off the new cd proved that the cd contained masterful songs of sensual romance that have become his signature.

The album's first single and title track, "Are You Ready," captures Mr. Lawrence on par with the sound of today's younger male soul singers, but with the sentiments of a grown man with long term love on his mind. “Are You Ready,” opens with the soulful introduction of "Derryck’s Groove," a mood piece that smoothly sets the scene for all that follows.

"If Only for One Night" , a tribute Show to the late Mr. Luther Vandross and the music of "M" Mr. Marcus Miller. Derryck considers them be one of the top premier writing teams of all time.

"If Only for One Night", voted by USA Entertainment as the #1 Luther Vandross tribute show in the world. www.usaentertainment.com

This tribute show takes it’s audiences on a journey through a quintessential moment in the musical history of Mr. Vandross with a video and photo’s that will live forever. Over 10 years of researching and performing have made Derryck Lawrence a master of his domain. He is hailed by critics and fans alike as the most authentic and endearing Vandross tribute artist in the world.

Now residing in Jacksonville, FL Derryck Lawrence has performed this tribute show at The 2009 America's Got Talent Miami Finals, The 2008 Europe International Jazz Fest, Reggae Sun Splash, The Toronto Jazz Fest., The Indiana Black Expo, The 2008 Honolulu Jazz Fest., The 2008 Minnesota Black Music Awards, Soul food Fest (Boise, Idaho),Club Whispers and City Jazz in Orland Florida, Sun Cruz Casino (Cape Canaveral FL.),The Pier@ (Cocoa Beach, FL) and (Old Town Kissimmee, FL), drawing crowds of 500-1000 per-night.

Currently added to the play list of Clear Chanel Broadcasting Radio Station “Love 98.4 FM with the new release “First Time.”

93 FM The Beat (Jacksonville FL.)

Mr. Lawrence has been featured in several entertainment magazines over the last few years and his “ One Man Show” is currently being featured in this month’s USA Entertainment www.usaentertainment.com, an incisive entertainment source world wide.