Ian Lawler

Ian Lawler has toured and recorded with numerous bands. A truly versatile musician, Ian has worked with bands playing pop, rock, blues, country, jazz, funk, soul, neo-soul, R&B and hip-hop. He has shared stages with legendary performers, including Herbie Hancock, Chaka Khan, Joshua Redman, Jack DeJohnette, Christian McBride, Dr. John, Ozomatli, and Arrested Development.

Ian is featured on Arrested Development's album, "Among the Trees," as well as "Speech's Best" and "The Vagabond" by Grammy-winning artist, Speech Thomas. Ian also worked with Funktelligence and Now On, members of whom joined together to form Mayer Hawthorne and the County.

After spending most of his career as a sideman guitarist playing for other artists, Ian is now branching out as a solo artist with his debut album, "Future Nostalgia."

"Ian Lawler is a visionary on guitar, able to make fine art by precise execution and deep passion."
- Speech, of Arrested Development

"Ian Lawler is a great guitar player, at home in many musical settings, and now stretching out as a singer and composer of his own material. With his upcoming move, Charlottesville is about to lose a major resource."
- Bobby Read, of Bruce Hornsby and the Noise Makers

"A monstrous musician."
- Charles "King" Arthur, guitarist for Slaid Cleaves

"When Ian was in my band, he added a tasteful, nuanced touch to every performance. Now, on his debut record, he develops that subtle swing into melodic perfection, settling into every groove with harmonious ease."
- Mariana Bell, singer/songwriter

"Lawler has the illest jankets in the game. And he's incredibly tall!"
- Mayer Hawthorne

"This album has some of the finest pop songwriting I've heard in years, and I say this after at least 10 complete listens over the past two weeks. It sticks in your head. McCartney-esque melodic stylings, real lyrics, and superb instrumentation throughout. In all, a very musical and moving performance worth every penny."
- Ben Stevenson, 3 time Emmy-winning producer

"You can call him a guitarist – and singer – for all seasons... The CD, available on his website and on iTunes and CD Baby, is a well-recorded collection of adult pop and rock songs featuring horns, percussion and even a Weissenborn lap slide guitar on one track. Lawler wrote all the tunes, and he sings and plays guitar. His guitar sound is crisp and clear, a full-bodied, palatable tone. Particularly lovely are back-to-back instrumentals dubbed "Lullaby Suite I: Path Less Traveled" and "Lullaby Suite II: Sweet Dreams."
- Mario Tarradell, Dallas Morning News music critic