AZAR LAWRENCE
The musical legacy of saxophonist Azar Lawrence began almost instantaneously at the age of 19 when he was spirited off to New York by Coltrane alumni, drummer, Elvin Jones' to join his (Jones') group Jazz Machine. Within a few years Azar became a member of McCoy Tyner's band. Azar recorded live 1973 at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, Switzerland Tyner's Milestone album that includes the seminal piece; Walk Spirit Talk Spirt. He briefly joined Miles Davis' band, appearing on the historic 1974 live album "Dark Magus.'
He composed and wrote for Stanley Turrentine Earth, Wind and Fire and Woody Shaw. He performed with contemporary soul artists such as Roberta Flack and Marvin Gaye. With seven albums as a leader; and still writing and producing Azar's follow-up to his 2010 release Mystic Journey, The Seeker (2014); recorded live at New York's Jazz Standard, was on the 2014 Grammy nomination ballot consideration list....
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AZAR LAWRENCE
The musical legacy of saxophonist Azar Lawrence began almost instantaneously at the age of 19 when he was spirited off to New York by Coltrane alumni, drummer, Elvin Jones' to join his (Jones') group Jazz Machine. Within a few years Azar became a member of McCoy Tyner's band. Azar recorded live 1973 at the Montreaux Jazz Festival, Switzerland Tyner's Milestone album that includes the seminal piece; Walk Spirit Talk Spirt. He briefly joined Miles Davis' band, appearing on the historic 1974 live album "Dark Magus.'
He composed and wrote for Stanley Turrentine Earth, Wind and Fire and Woody Shaw. He performed with contemporary soul artists such as Roberta Flack and Marvin Gaye. With seven albums as a leader; and still writing and producing Azar's follow-up to his 2010 release Mystic Journey, The Seeker (2014); recorded live at New York's Jazz Standard, was on the 2014 Grammy nomination ballot consideration list.
Blowing stronger than ever, and still on the circuit; as one of the best to blend the elements of earth and the spirit through music; Azar Lawrence stands out as an distinctive instrumentalist with his searing, passionate saxophone sound and brilliant compositional style.
As one of the best to blend the elements of earth and the spirit through music, Azar Lawrence stands out as an distinctive instrumentalist with his searing, passionate saxophone sound and brilliant compositional style. Lawrence's new CD, 'Elementals' is scheduled to be released spring 2016.
BILL HENDERSON
Distinguished Pianist and masterful soloist William Henderson is a long time member of Pharaoh Sanders' Band. William Henderson's, collaborations with Mr. Sanders stretch far beyond their 1987 "Prayer Before Dawn.' His playing has been characterized as rippling in long, all-embracing arpeggios and harp-like cadenzas.
JEFF LITTLETON
One of the most versatile and in demand bassists on the West Coast, Jeff Littleton has performed with a virtual who's who of top jazz artists including Nancy Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Hank Crawford, Pharoah Sanders, Billy Higgins. Harold Land, Bobby Hutchinson and a long list of renowned musicians. He released The Littleton Brothers | Collage with Bobby Watson.
ROY MCCURDY
Roy McCurdy will probably always be best-known for his important contributions to Cannonball Adderley's Quintet (1965-1975), but he has been a tasteful and stimulating participant in many other sessions through the years. In 1960 he joined the Art Farmer Benny Golson Jazztet and remained for two years. Early on, he worked with Chuck and Gap Mangione in the Jazz Brothers (1960-1961). McCurdy also gained recognition with Sonny Rollins before joining Adderley. After Adderley''s death, McCurdy moved to the Los Angeles area, where he has played and recorded with the top local musicians ever since.
McCurdy counts among his influences Louie Bellson, Shelly Manne, Sam Woodyard, Buddy Rich, 'Papa' Jo Jones, Philly Joe Jones and the bands of Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford and Lionel Hampton. He' has performed on between 150 and 200 recordings. The list of greats that McCurdy has played with includes Count Basie, Wes Montgomery, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, Joe Williams, Herbie Hancock, Milt Jackson, Oscar Peterson and Bud Powell. Roy has also played with Art Pepper, John Heard, Ron McCurdy, Jackie Ryan, Joe Zawinal, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and many more.
Doors open 7:30p - Free Parking @ Roscoe's
Press: nytimes.com/2011/12/16/arts/music/azar-lawrence-quintet-at-jazz-standard-review.html?_r=0
Photo:azarlawrence.com/photos/Zar8-pk.jpg
Event flyer: azarlawrence.com/posters/seabird3.26_web.jpg
Facebook event: facebook.com/events/826572867472560/
azarlawrence.com
youtube.com/watch?v=uulnLz59Do8
music.usc.edu/roy-mccurdy
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