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Lawrence's compositions for solo classical and steel strung guitar draw from the many musical styles he has been involved with - including classical, folk, new wave and reggae.
History
Distinctive right hand patters derive from influences like Davy Graham and Bert Jansch gained while he was playing on the London pub folk scene in the mid seventies. Around that time he also began his 3 years studying classical guitar and music theory at The Watford School of Music under Tom Hartman and Carl Shavitz.
Then, still writing predominantly for steel strung guitar this classical influence added a new dimension and was later to become a dominant direction.
Still at school Lawrence was playing in a rock band "Hippo" (whose illustrious drummer Glyn Mathews went on to become a renowned classical percussionist). Punk burst on the scene when he moved to Norwich University and this together with "New Wave" which punk was later to become were the predominant areas of musical interest for almost 10 years. Playing and composing for a number of bands on the Norwich pub circuit he also continued to play solo steel strung guitar in folk clubs and supporting artists like Ralph McTell visiting the university.
In 1978 he moved to London where the New Wave scene was firmly established. He composed and played in a number of bands most notably fronting the 3 piece band "State of Play" and as guitarist for the more reggae influenced "The Flats".
State of Play released two singles under the independent record label "Shooting Star" both receiving favourable reviews in the NME.
"A lively and enjoyable debut single from the London three piece band."
NME
The Flats played regularly across London's pub and club circuit of the time including Ronnie Scott's, The Marquee, The 100 club and The Rock Garden with residencies at the lesser know Stapleton Arms (Finsbury Park) and Chats Palace (Hackney).
All composing energies into the mid '80's were put into writing for both these bands until, frustrated by the direction of popular music, he quit both bands and rediscovered solo guitar. The influence of this period clearly remains in much of Lawrence's work particularly evidenced by the strong melodic phrases and rhythms.
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Now
To date he has composed over 50 pieces for solo guitar many of which are published by The Guitar Circle. A special feature of Lawrence's style is that, via e-mail, he likes to communicate with performers learning his work, answer queries and enter into dialogue.
In 2000 Lawrence started an important collaboration with Graham Sims. This culminated in the world premiere in November 2001 at The Michael Tippet Centre of two major works Soundtrack 1 and The Fairground. The works were well received.
"Substantial pieces... with many effective ideas"
Bath Chronicle
Graham went on to record both pieces at The Michael Tippet Centre and they appear on "The Fairground" a CD of Lawrence music for solo guitar along with three pieces played by himself on steel strung guitar.
Between 2003 and 2006 Lawrence began a major collaboration with Graham Sims and Kevin Byrne . This involved the composition of the Fanfarria suite. Fanfarria II was premiered by Graham to great reviews at the Assembley Rooms in Bath.
click to see the video of this concert
In 2006 the more expansive duet Fanfarria I and prelude were premiered by Graham and Kevin on their UK tour including the tippet Centre and the Bolivar Hall. With one and a half years in the writing help and motivation came from one of the Circles’ rising stars Hayley Savage. The resultant piece is one that ambitiously tries to expand the guitar’s repertoire.
To download Fanfarria I or II
To order the scores contact l-reed@imcg-group.plc.uk
In 2005/2006 Lawrence worked with Gary Ryan on the programme for of a revolutionary on-line based tutorial for classical guitar.
Lawrence still performs and writes for solo acoustic guitar with a new solo album due out in 2008.
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Works
Examples of Lawrence's work can be found below. Click on a picture for a full screen version.
You will need Adobe Acrobat to read the score. Click here to get a free copy if needed or click on the icon below.
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Lawrence Reed - Butterflies
Lawrence Reed - Fairground Rag
Lawrence Reed - 'From Source to Sea'
Lawrence Reed - Fanfarria II
Our launch concert was filmed by leading film maker Ian Singleton and a clips of Lawrence Reed's Fanfarria played by Graham Sims is available. You will need Quicktime to view this video.
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