Lawrence Lanahan has performed his songs in the Baltimore area for over 15 years, both by himself and with the bands Oella and Disappearing Ink. He has studied jazz with Carl Filipiak and composition with Judah Adashi.
Lanahan has released five recordings: a self-titled EP in 2004 and the Disappearing Ink albums There Is No Time and Nothing's Been (2014), Surprises (2020), Recount (2021, EP), and The Charm of Abstraction (2023).
Lawrence livestreamed a regular series of performances along various themes when the pandemic started. View them here!
BOOKINGS AND PRESS: 410-375-6350, llanahan@gmail.com
In a 2006 performance on Maryland Public Television’s ArtWorks, the host noted Lanahan’s “alternately quirky, poignant, and gosh-darn beautiful melodies” and said “his lyrics reveal him to be a student of human nature.” One reviewer of his 2004 EP called him “a singer-songwriter with the guts to breathe some life into an otherwise stagnant genre.” Others have praised his “intricately picked guitar work and melodious, thoughtful songs,” “melodic and lyrical innovation,” and “wit, emotion, [and] bizarre narration.”
Lanahan has performed at Artscape, Shakemore, 8×10, and Ottobar in Baltimore; Galaxy Hut and Iota Club and Cafe around Washington, D.C.; and Sidewalk Café and Pete’s Candy Store in New York City. He has shared bills with Harry Shearer, Mic Harrison (Superdrag/V-Roys), Tarbox Ramblers, and The Yayhoos. Lanahan’s song “The Big Move” was a finalist in the 20th Annual Mid-Atlantic Song Contest.
More reviews of Lanahan’s 2004 EP:
Bob Frapples, Music Monthly:
Leo Kottke meets Ummagumma-era David Gilmour meets Radiohead…Finally, a singer-songwriter with the guts to breathe some life into an otherwise stagnant genre. Chilling chord progressions merge with haunting Buckley-esque vocals to create a new sound that’s deeply rooted in the finer moments of 70’s acoustica. This disk will absolutely stay in the CD changer… While Lanahan’s peers are sifting through David Gray’s coffee grinds looking for the essence of his brilliance, Lanahan is content to distill his own home brew. In the process, he’s creating his own genre, but will anyone else have the guts to join him?
Bret McCabe, Baltimore City Paper:
Lanahan leans toward intricately finger-picked melodies of a country-blues flavor, and it lends his self-titled debut CD EP a backwoods expanse.
Peter Bate, Americana UK:
“6 out of 10” — If it’s comparisons you’re after then vocally (particularly “Great Hall” and the wonderful “Weddings and Engagements”) – Mason Jennings is as close as anything and how can that ever be a bad thing? In just over 25 minutes Lawrence Lanahan delivers enough melodic and lyrical invention to suggest that a full-length album will be well worthy of investigation.
DJ J Max G, WMUC 88.1 FM, University of Maryland:
A DIY release of pleasant indie pop from Baltimore…folky finger pickin’ and country twang in the guitars & some clever lyrics. A fine release that deserves some airplay.
Ryan Hoffer, Shut Eye Records, Atlanta, GA
Much like the eccentric “rurality” of Iron and Wine or Crooked Fingers, Lawrence Lanahan crafts a sound unmistakably American, steeping in tradition while yearning to arrive somewhere outside the canon of folk aesthetic. Whether employing wit, emotion, or bizarre narration, he commands his music with rare honesty and power.
Georgiana Cohen, Splendid:
Lanahan proves his mettle as a storyteller here…he has a tale to tell and he tells it well.
Common Grounds, Arlington, VA:
An acoustic performer of intricately picked guitar work and melodious, thoughtful songs.
Danny Rowe, Left Off The Dial:
Perhaps the final track “Boards” is an omen of good things to come in the future. It’s my favorite here… there are some interesting lines about Baltimore and some images that offer a bit of insight into Lanahan’s mind.
All Music Guide:
Reflective…literate…whimsical…wry…witty.
Video courtesy of Artworks This Week, Maryland Public Television.
BOOKINGS AND PRESS: 410-375-6350, llanahan@gmail.com
