"... It's still delta-style country blues, but new. In fact, I think Lawrence is following in the footsteps of some very important artists like Bernie Pearl and Corey Harris and Taj Mahal in the way that he is at once historical musicologist and contemporary interpreter...." The Sunday Night Blues Project

Marshall Lawrence has the distinction of being a "Maple Blues Award Nominee" and a "Canadian Independent Music Award Nominee". As such, a driving force has emerged on the Canadian blues scene. Marshall Lawrence is taking traditional blues styles and infusing them with a raw, fiery energy. His music has been described as delta-style country blues with a raw edge and an acid twist for the 21st century.

The Blues has long been recognized for its healing properties, but not a lot of Blues players are actual doctors. Marshall Lawrence is called The Doctor of the Blues for good reason hes a bonafide Ph.D, holding a doctorate in psychology. Ironically, a fan laid the nickname on me, but he didnt know that I actually have a doctorate, says Marshall.

His first album,Wheres the Party, released in 2003, is a reflection of his journey through the Blues that culminates in those same healing properties. My original reaction to the Blues was strictly visceral, he explains. Id been through Hendrix and rock and funk, but the Blues is what grabbed me inside.

As a result, Marshall has matured into a performer who brings a variety of influences to his stage show. Energy is perhaps the most recognizable element, and one of his styles lays in his speed guitar technique that includes influences derived from bluegrass mandolin work. The technique has had an influence on my blues playing, he says.

Marshall includes that same technique in his acoustic playing, which is prominent on his new album The Morning After, released in 2008. I put Wheres the Party together as the first of a blues duo, he says. The Morning After" is all acoustic material, and features more original material.

Marshall's third CD, "Blues Intervention", another acoustic blues offering featuring more original tunes, is recorded and is scheduled to be released Summer/Fall 2009.

Marshall Lawrence "The Doctor of the Blues" is sure to fill your Blues prescription to cure whatever ails you.