Lawrie was born in Dunfermline, Scotland in 1977.
Although raised in a family where many close relatives were already established
musicians, Lawrie didn't have many musical aspirations until reaching his
early teens where he took a major interest in live music, particularly from heavier
Rock music.
Around this time Lawrie received his first bass guitar. This choice of instrument
being influenced by two things:
1) He always preferred the look of the bigger guitar and
2) because two older guitarists he was acquainted with told him his "arms
were long enough" to play the bass!
As his ability grew, Lawrie made a conscious effort to seek out more experienced musicians of all styles, now knowing from advice given to him by his peers, including family members previously mentioned, that he would become a more competent and versatile musician.
In the late Nineties, Lawrie was recommended for, auditioned and almost
immediately began recording and performing internationally with acclaimed
Contemporary Celtic group Ironhorse.
One of the many high points with Ironhorse was collaboration with Chamber
Orchestra Sogdiana in Uzbekistan. This included an album and two concerts
of which the musicians performed with the amazing Peter Gabriel discovery,
Sevara.
Around this time Lawrie was establishing himself as a bass teacher, both
privately and lecturing at Perth College, where he was once a student. Just
as teaching seemed to be taking over his schedule, Lawrie received an overseas
call from Big Country frontman Stuart Adamson, who was set to tour
the UK with his new Nashville-based band The Raphaels. Co-Fronted with
Grammy Award winning songwriter Marcus Hummon, this Country Rock project rounded
up much eager anticipation from Stuart's British fans. Due to his rhythm section
being no longer available to leave the US, he had called the assistance
of session drummer Mark Brzezicki and Lawrie, to fill the vacancy. The tour,
although a very last minute one, was a joy and a great learning curve for
Lawrie. Sadly it was to be Stuart's last live performance and his passing
left a sad memory for his fans and many other music lovers around the
world.
After a couple of years freelancing for dozens of Scottish bands and
occasional performances and tours with Scottish guitar virtuoso Willie Logan in
a Blues-based group including brother Ashley, Lawrie was contacted by Ray Wilson
through the recommendation of multi-instrumentalist Brian McAlpine (formerly
of Ironhorse), who was recording the final tracks to Ray's 'Change' album, with
the possibility of joining his live band for an upcoming tour.
All working out well, he and brother Ashley have been the mainstay of Ray's live rhythm section ever since. And long may it continue....;-)
When not touring with Ray, Lawrie continues to teach but you'll also find him performing with various bands and projects.
Contact: lawrie@raywilson.net