If you knew Van you know how much his friends meant to him. We would love it if you took some time to share your thoughts, memories, stories, or even just a line or two about him. Email me at joe@lawtonmusic.com and I will post your message on this tribute page.
Jessi King: My Farewell To Big Daddy
My Farewell To Big Daddy
Saturday, February 13, 2010 at 10:44am
I was asked to write something about Van for the Lawton Band. My soul was stirred and tusseled and I could not find the words that I truly wanted. So I went through my messenger archives and reread some converstaions that Van and I had. What a wonderful experience! When the tears dried for a moment, I heard in my heart what I needed . Here is what I have to say about my brother. Bless you all for taking the time to read it.
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Evandle Lawton, born March 1st, 1974.
Van, as he was known, was a very special man. He moved to Maine from Massachusetts in the Spring of 2004. That is when we had the privilege to meet him.
Our first encounter with him was one of great anticipation and complete disarm. We did not expect a man of his physical stature nor his gentleness. When Van knew that he was moving Maine, all he wanted to do was to connect with musicians in the area so that his soul could be fed. Bobby and I were fortunate enough to answer his ad for musical-mates and thus began a friendship that would last forever. He became family to us, our best friend and brother. The three of us spent many many hours discussing music and dreams. The memories of our short time together cemented in our hearts, in photos, videos, recordings and in the music we all still create.
Van believed in the power and the velocity of music. He chose never to be labeled into one genre of music as he loved them all. Instrumentally he was blessed. From the doshpuluur to the djembe, the bass guitar to the drums, Van believed all you had to do was practice and try and you would musically succeed. He explored vocal expressions and improvisation as well as arranged music. He was a truly gifted and well rounded musician.
Van also had the gift of songwriter. He talked of love, loneliness and loss, of chaos and torment, of dogs and frogs! He expressed in his written music every facet of his being both lyrically and instrumentally. Often on of his recording, Van not only wrote the song, but played each instrument and sang each part. He wanted to make sure it was right. That the song he heard in his heart was the song we heard on the recording. He transported both himself and the listener through the music he created.
World Music, Blues, Funk, Jazz, Folk, Rock, Metal.... Van loved to experience it all. He appreciated talent whether or not the music was for him personally to perform or not. But with his attention and support he encouraged other musicians to put forth their musical souls and try. He was a frequent participant in Open Mics all over the state as well as Festivals and Social Gatherings. To my knowledge, he never refused an opportunity to play, whether he was compensated or not. He just loved music that much. He loved the experience of playing with many different musicians as each one offered him something new to learn. He craved it to the core of his being. Music was his air.
On a personal note, Van gave me something very special. He gave me encouragement and courage to take center stage with a band and sing. He tolerated my novice behaviors and cheered when I got it right. He talked to me often about singing and exercises for vocal dynamics. But the most awesome gift was his ability to walk onto any stage with confidence. He shared that with me every time we performed together. If I felt myself becoming self conscious or tempered in my performance, I looked to “Big Daddy” and with his smirk that lit a room and the way he rolled his eyes, he helped me forge on in the face of my own uncertainties. I was blessed in so many ways by our time together. I am grateful for having known him.
Confidence, Ability, Passion. That is how I would express Van Lawton. A sense of humor that was infectious, a soul that was patient and guiding.
You can find recordings and articles about Van all over the internet. Facebook, Myspace, Angelfire, Tripod, YouTube... just Google him. Spend some time exploring the real man. It is a journey.
His Bands of Note included, but not limited to:
Earthbound Misfits
Reagan Babies
Quanah
Stoned Mountain Boyz
Coffee and Cream
and Short Bus Refugees
To the depth of our soul we miss Van. He is gone from us and all we can do is say thank you. Honor him, his music and art in your memories and representations of him. He was truly worthy of our respect.
Raise your Shasta Orange Soda high and thank the God that we were blessed even if for a very short time.
Evandle Lawton, gone to party with the angels and jam with the band, Oct, 13, 2009
“What a long strange trip it's been, so far.” E.Lawton
FOLKS FROM FACE BOOK RESPOND TO JESSI'S POST
jessi, when I think of van, often I think of you being the last real vibrant connection to his music. For all the people who were mutual friends of vans, I am so glad you held that amazing and strong bond. Thanks for writing this, it's very moving and loving. ♥
February 13 at 11:24am ·
sweet remembrances!
February 13 at 12:45pm ·
He touched and inspired me beyond words
February 13 at 1:42pm ·
Jessi.....when I went to pick up "Van", the funeral home handed me WHAT he was...but you gave me WHO he was with all of the musical recordings you had and I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for that and for those awesome words above!
February 13 at 1:53pm ·
Jessi that was incredibly beautiful words - it spoke clearly who Van was as a person, friend and musician. We still miss our gentle giant.
February 13 at 2:23pm ·
When l think of Van l think of the times that he and I went to denny's after SBR got done playing at BST. Van and l had a lot in common and it was great to have a friend that knew how l felt and that we could lean on each other to talk to... We (me and my ole man) watching him playing cause he reminded us of BB King the way he played his guitar.. Van was an awesome man and is greatly missed by lots of people ..
February 13 at 3:50pm ·
Very nice tribute to a hell of man. I think of him often and know that he is keeping an eye on us all. I am so glad I got to know Van and experience his talent and gentleness. His spirit walks with me...
February 13 at 9:38pm
Van Lawton playing at The Sugar Shack. 3/1/01
This is an interview with Van from 2001
After All by Van Lawton
In Vans own words:
I have dedicated my life to my main passion-music-and I follow it, though it leads me through fields of financial hardships as well as bliss. It is the spirit that guides me, so what else can I do? lol I have followed this muse now for the better part of 25 years(starting as a trombone player in the 4th grade and writing my first lyrics the same year), drums and percussion and currently playing bass for two bands and writing and recording as a solo singer/songwriter/guitarist. As a Short Bus Refugee, I revisit beloved classic rock tunes from and before my youth, while also satisfying my need to drive it a little harder with more current rock songs. And I get to do it with my family of fellow Refugees, without whom I would not be complete. As a Stoned Mountain Boy, I dive headfirst into a melting pot of folk, americana, jazz and jam band improvisation heavily flavored with social and political commentary. The Boyz in this band are simply top notch, lyrically and musically and are always pushing towards the unexplored, non-stereotypical and try to avoid the cliche like the plague! My personal musical influences include Hendrix, The Beatles, early Metallica, Tool, Pearl Jam(and anything with Eddy Vedder), Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Classical, world music, celtic and whole crapload of other stuff too numerous to list here! I also very much enjoy hearing my fellow local musicians practice their craft from my homestate of Massachusetts, to the great mountains of Maine and i plan on adding my voice for as long as I have one.
This is some of Vans art work.
Pix of Van Van and Tarn
Van at Fast Eddy's Pic by Stephanie Pare Rocks Edge Photography
