Mamalee Rose And Friends Release First C.D.

By Eileen Casey

Mamalee (left) and Rose Lawler with Jim Lawler on drums at a performance at The Stephen Talkhouse earlier this year. Photos by Eileen Casey

East Hampton - Mamalee Rose and Friends have finally released their eagerly awaited first C.D., titled appropriately enough, "Mamalee Rose & Friends." A C.D. release party was held at Turtle Crossing in East Hampton, a venue the group has played a number of times.

The C.D. was produced by Arlethia Lawler, or Lee as in Mamalee with her husband and band member, Jim Lawlor, and Cynthia Daniels.

Mamalee Lawler.

Recorded and mixed by Daniels for Monk Music Productions in East Hampton, there are eight tracks, plus a bonus track containing some of the sweetest sounds heard on the East End, or anywhere for that matter.

Mamalee Rose and Friends are well known on the East End, and maintain a very busy performance schedule. This C.D. will allow others to finally hear the musical skills and vocal abilities of these consummate professionals who have been entertaining audiences for over 20 years.

To those familiar with this group, there are some favorite tunes on the C.D., including "Itch," "Poor Fool," "Tell You That I Love You," and "Cold In The Morning," (the latter two tracks with Jim and Lee Lawlor and Downstairs Band),

This group's on stage repertoire of cover hits ranging from Tracy Chapman, the Marshall Tucker Band, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and others is always a treat, however, Lee Lawler's cover of the Nina Simone tune "Nobody's Fault" on the C.D. is moving and profound, and will definitely stir up memories for anyone who has lost a loved one. Another favorite, for me, is the first track "Blues 101."

Rose Lawler.

Once again, particular mention must be paid to the vocal skills of Rose Lawler. Her cover of Janis Joplin's "Mercedes Benz" included on the C.D. will leave you knocked over with the sound emanating from this young lady's pipes. "A rose is a rose..." but this Rose belts it out with such soulful joy and abandonment while maintaining such nuance and tonality with her voice that you will find yourself playing this track over and over again.

Lee and Jim have two other daughters in addition to Rose, L'Kela and Jayleen, who contributed background vocals on this C.D. This is a very musical family and with the help of the other terrific musicians who play and have contributed to this first C.D., it confirms "keeping it in the family" is always the first choice.

Congratulations to Mamalee Rose and Friends, and don't keep your fans waiting too much longer for your next C.D.