About Liam

Liam Lawson is a guitarist and music educator based in Ithaca, NY.

A seasoned songwriter, he works in the “story song” tradition of artists like Woody Guthrie and Gordon Lightfoot. Many of his tunes retell actual historical events. Other tunes express the spirit of the times with lyrics that are honest and hopeful.

As a guitarist, Liam is a fingerstylist in the tradition of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis. His style also borrows from jazzers like Joe Pass and Lenny Breau. Liam's live performances always include a few instrumental pieces - music for its own sake, showcasing his studied technique and deep knowledge of the fretboard.

Liam is also an amateur music historian and folklorist. One of his passions is arranging forgotten songs. His repertoire explores the diversity of traditional American music, including Shaker hymns, Appalachian fiddle tunes, and the Piedmont blues.

Liam lives near Ithaca, NY with his partner, Amy, and their son, Arlo.