Chord Melody Solos

John E. Lawrence, a lifelong resident of Ypsilanti, is one of Michigan's most talented and respected guitarists. His work ethic has led to a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning keyboardist/composer and producer Jeff Lorber. Lorber wrote, produced, and performed the hit single "Leather Jacket", which was released on July 5, 2022. "Velocity", the follow-up single written by Lorber and Lawrence is another funky, smooth jazz masterpiece, embellished by exciting, syncopated rhythms and a slick horn arrangement. "Velocity" is scheduled for release on March 14, 2023. Lawrence has written sixteen instructional guitar books, three of which are published through Mel Bay Publications Inc. He has produced four DVDs, and recorded and produced 12 CDs. He is the former Head of the Music Performance Program and the Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI. While there, Lawrence authored a textbook entitled "Business Management for the Working Musician," a step- by-step guide for making money while making music. Lawrence was included in Mel Bay's 2000 Anthology of Jazz Guitar which includes solos by some of the world's finest guitarists. He has endorsement deals with Heritage Guitars and GHS Guitar Strings. John served as musical director and lead guitarist for vocalist Carl Carlton on his "She's A Bad Mama Jama" tour. Carlton was the opening act for such famed artists as Smokey Robinson, Chaka Khan, Lionel Richie and the Commodores, Rick James, Teena Marie, and Frankie Beverly and Maze. In the summer of 2021, John embarked on another musical challenge and adventure as a concert producer and promoter of John E. Lawrence Presents the Frog Island Jazz Series.