The Chopin Variations

Album Notes It's a risk editing the "poet of the piano" but one that Chopin would be proud of. Taking 10 Chopin pieces, Lawson decided to scale the works down to a minimalist setting. "I knew, even if bare-bones, Chopin's works could be as spellbinding in the simplest of form as the original compositions we are so familiar with." says the pianist. Lawson had heavy interest from two major labels concerning this release but decided he would rather remain an independent artist. "There are too many facets where artists can accomplish almost the same results as a major while remaining true to their longterm creative goals. If an artist truly has the diligence, it can be done effectively." Joining the Steinway artist is violinist, Judy Kang, who has toured with Lady Gaga and Ryuichi Sakamoto. Kang, a Curtis Institute and Julliard alumni, has also performed with countless symphonies across the globe. Cellist, Rubin Kodheli, has performed with more household names than space will allow but Kanye West, Norah Jones, Courtney Love and many film scores just to name a few.