Paul Lockwood - Positive [CD]

Paul Lockwood's solo debut is an eclectic mix of R&B, jazz, pop and dance that was recorded to benefit a number of AIDS organizations, including Gay Men's Health Crisis, The Children's Hope Foundation and The Columbus AIDS Task Force. Both the CD and it's first single, 'Why Do I,' topped the album and singles charts of Outvoice, a weekly gay and lesbian top 40 site. The songs, nine of which were co-written by Lockwood, reflect his diverse taste in music and his desire as an indpendent artist to travel as many roads as possible. A long-time back up singer, actor and writer who happens to be gay ('Hey world, it's just a fact of life, like having brown eyes and a bald head!'), Lockwood's mission in recording 'Positive' was to pay tribute to all those lost to AIDS while contributing funds to some of the organizations that are assisting those living with the disease. Working with New York-based producer Andre Karkos and leader of the band 'One', Lockwood has assembled a collection of songs that is truly genuine. 'We made a distinct point of not using any pitch correction on the CD,' comments Lockwood. 'I wanted those flats and sharps in the mix. Because that's what life is all about, particularly life with AIDS -- it's about living and loving despite it's presence.' Many of the songs on the CD will be used in a future independent film, 'The Edifice.' The feature-length script was a recent Sundance semi-finlist and was written by Lockwood. REVIEWS: '...the kind of durable beat that works well both on the dance-floor or driving in the car. Catchy hooks and Paul's pleasant vocalizing make the album easy to hear and groove along with. The lyrics are smart and confectionery at the same time... 'Bring It Up Bring It Out!' is hard to resist with it's shimmering backup vocals pushing it on; 'Why Do I' is one of those Jarreau-esque late night ballads; 'Island' gives a new take on isolation; and the anthem 'Positive' is a map for a new attitude.' Patrick Arena, PITTSBURGH'S OUT.