Kelly Lawson

Greetings.  My name is Patrick Kelly Lawson.  Lover of all music.  Going back to 1963 my older brother Skip received a drum set from our parents.  My brother was born 3 months premature and needed the physical therapy benefits of drumming, how cool is that?  As his younger brother I was fascinated by his Ludwig kit.  I stole my minutes behind his set when he wasn’t around.  I played to Skip’s records which helped point out the basic demands of drumming of Rock music. 

Jamming with friends led to my first organized band in 1975 Herb Schwartz.  Our guitarist Jimi Kidd would go on to be a sought after player in Chicago.  He is an uncle to world class guitarist Paul Gilbert,( Mr. Big and Racer X, etc.)  My influence from Rock to Disco and beyond were fueled by the need for more money per gig.  In 1978 Mike Scott and Morning Breeze fit that need. This was a Disco/Lounge band  where I was paired up with world class bass players and wonderful humans.  2 years with Felton Crews (Miles Davis, Charlie Musselwhite, Billy Branch, Bonnie Rait and so many more.)  Then Rusty Taylor (Miami Sound Machine) influenced me for another 1 ½  years and connected me with 1st call musicians in the jingle world and beyond. 

1980 found me and my wife Cindy in Lake Tahoe California.  I flourished during that time playing in local bands around the lake.  I met great unknown talent, Barry Slayton guitar, Eddy Lee guitar, Chuck Sheppard guitar, Jimi Dechon guitar, Danny Paollilo bass and Pat Mastelatto drums.  Pat left to try his luck in L.A. and joined Mister Mister and now is still in King Crimson.  What fun!  Cindy and I returned to Chicago in 1985.  I played in numerous bands.  Changes 3 years - Craig Fallico, Tony Zagone, John Sciackitano,Debbie Conners. Cubes 20 years (all original),Dave Toan, John Sciackitano,Bill Kavanagh, Rudy Lobo (RIP). Cook County Blues with fretless Electric monster Jack Mazzenga, Chris Donahue bass, Buzz Krantz harp. 

In 1993 after the birth of our 4th daughter, my wife Cindy encouraged me to continue playing my drums.  That is when the Greg Favata Orchestra hired me for 12 years of Corporate gigs, weddings, private parties all in a tuxedo playing downtown a lot.  During all of these years I always had a day job.  Union truck driver, mechanic, welder, carpenter, plumber, coach, etc.  We all do what we have to.  Being born and raised in Park Ridge IL has helped me due to it’s location being so close to downtown.  Fast forward to 2015 - still playing with the Cubes I joined Get Back Chicago.  Chuck Jennings guitar, John Schopa & Chris Minardi guitar, Ralph Langhans bass and I still play with them today.  My friend since 1976 Ron Schneider offered me a tryout for the Eliminator band.  As I learn ZZ Top’s song book I marvel at the accomplishments of these 3 influential people.  Billy Gibbons, Dusty Hill and Frank Beard.

Someday I hope to play like Frank.