Reviews

Photo credit Marco Borggreve

John Rutter chose "Born on a New Day" as one of his 5 top carols from the last 20 years. He writes: "This simple, touching carol came into being when King's Singer Philip Lawson wrote a Christmas text to John David's 1990 song "You are the New Day". With Peter Knight's perfect choral arrangement, a new Christmas classic was born."
John Rutter. BBC Music Magazine, December 2008

"..his work is unfailingly sensitive. There is simple integrity to the basic melodies which resists sophisticated "interpretation", yet Lawson manages to introduce variety: neat dynamic detailing... and intriguing use of unusual harmonies."
BBC Music Magazine (Terry Blain September 2007)

"Noel Nouvelet features an exquisite interplay of quiet clarity between the counter tenors and lower registers"
Andy Gill, Music Critic, The London Independent

"The gentle beauty of the arrangements and settings by Rutter and baritone Philip Lawson are among the highlights of this collection [i.e. Joy to the World]. Lawson's setting of "Lullay my Liking" is particularly gorgeous."
Tim Perry - MusicWeb International, December 2011

"Philip Lawson wrote the plain, chordal arrangements of the English folk song "The water is wide" and Billy Joel's "Lullabye (goodnight my angel)", the latter exceeding the composer's original in smoothness and sheer beauty".
San Francisco Classical Voice (David Bratman February 2010)

"Philip Lawson's plangent and imaginative harmonisation of "Veni, veni Emmanuel", which both mingled the subtle tones and tints of the [King's] Singers' palette and set them apart in telling contrast".
London Times (Hilary Finch, Nov. 23rd) for the King's Singers concert in Cadogan Hall November 23, 2009.

"(The) arrangements (on "Simple Gifts") are typically first-rate, owing primarily to the expertise of current ensemble member Philip Lawson and former King's Singer Bob Chilcott, both of whom have long experience supplying the group with fresh, original musical creations."
ClassicsToday.com

"A refreshing and revitalised Veni, Veni Emmanuel...one of several perfectly calculated arrangements from the group´s baritone Philip Lawson"
International Record Review (David Vernier)

"Ebullient...full of rhythmic punch and determination but also with contrasting smooth phrases and good distribution of parts...an excellent anthem for an adventurous choir and organist."
R.R., The Organ

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