Azar Lawrence

Azar Lawrence, Tenor & Soprano Saxophones
http://www.azarlawrence.com/

Benito Gonzalez, Piano
http://www.benitogonzalez.com/

Essiet O. Essiet, Bass
http://www.thejazznetworkworldwide.com/profile/essietessiet

Ronnie Burrage, drums
http://www.ronnieburrage.com/

All tickets: $15

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS:

AZAR LAWRENCE
Native Los Angeleno Azar Lawrence grew up during an era of Jazz history that will forever transcend time. Whether Coltranesque or Milestone, having composed, produced, and playing with Jazz legends, such as McCoy Tyner for over 5 years, and Elvin Jones for several years; Azar went to Jazz Master’s School at an early age. Azar was honored in his late teens to be thrust upon the jazz scene in a major way, producing and performing for decades with musicians on the cusp of the vanguard, whether it was the late great Frank Zappa or wailing on the sax in a rap video with Busta Rhymes. His performance with Miles Davis at Carnegie Hall where Dark Magus was recorded live is hailed to this day and noted in Mile’s autobiography.

Azar Lawrence led a musical childhood and began playing drums at the age of three and moved on to violin and piano at the age of five, under the direction of his mother Ima Lawrence. Ima, a gifted musician and teacher from whom Azar received his acute flair for all things music has shaped many successful musicians. Azar began playing with the USC JR Orchestra at the age of five. He played violin until the age of eight, and performed vocals accompanied by his mother during elementary school where she taught sixth grade and music. At age eleven he began hearing a different musical voice. He was an accomplished pianist, violinist and vocalist in his own right at the time. He wanted to take up Viola, but something happened, Lonnie a long time friend of the Lawrence family, who often brought his flute when he visited, came by for a swim, and brought his alto sax Azar was not poolside but he had to see who was playing that cool sound. His father his biggest supporter and fan who had bought all of Azarʼs instruments purchased him an alto sax, and Azar began taking instruction from Mr. Schumaker once a week.

In high school Azar played with the Dorsey High Jazz Band, and played a jazz workshop with Herbert Baker, one of the greatest pianist that ever lived and I feel blessed to have been in his presence Azar played everyday with Herbert Baker until a tragic car accident took his teacher and mentorʼs life, during his senior year in high school. That event made me reach deeper and I knew I had to carry on what I had learned. Drummer, Reggie Golson, introduced Azar to the music, and thatʼs when he began to get into the creation. Nightly he went to Reggieʼs house. Reggie had a room full of records, and he would play them all, over time. Coltrane, Miles, Monk, Shorter. Reggie prepared me.

< After high school at the age of 19, Azar played with Candy Finch, Larry Gales, and Woody Shaw at a regular gig at a club on 54th St. in Los Angeles. Soon he would perform with Ike & Tina Turner, Watts 103rd St. Band, and War. He then joined Elvin Jones for two years and after leaving Elvin, he joined McCoy Tyner’s group for five years and then back to Elvin for a year, and in the meantime recorded with Roberta Flack. Miles Davis used to come and hear me when I played with McCoy Tyner in New York, as well as when I was with Elvin. Miles approached Azar about joining his group, and he wasn't ready to commit.

Azar’s first performance with Miles was in DC and then they performed in New York at Carnegie Hall where Dark Magus was recorded.

Azar Lawrence’s history has been impressive since the age of five, throughout his musical sojourn he’s played sax alongside names like Woody Shaw, Horace Tapscott, Ron Carter, McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Henry Butler and Buddy Collette.

When Azar is in Los Angeles he is an resident artist at The World Stage, also known as the house of Billy Higgins who he recorded and performed many times with the great until his death. He is a member of The World Stage Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra, which was under the direction of the great Horace Tapscott until his death in the late nineties. Being successful at such a young age can have drawbacks. His musical career was meteoric to say the least. He had performed on six continents before the age of 21. You could say my life was fast and furious I had forgotten what I was taught, by my great teachers, my mother being the first. Music is your voice, keep it pure, share your gift not for the fame or fortune, but for the creator, it was given to you by him at no cost. If you make a living from your gift, it’s just gravy. If hadn't run out of it, (manna) I would have died.

Playing for his mind, body and soul, and for healing of the self, as well as that of others, Azar is taking his sound into new directions, to a celestial plane these days. To lift one’s self, explains Azar, all aspects of his being, his spirit, has to be clear and focused. While Azar was discovering himself, his journey led him to seriously study Coltrane. He needed a mystical connection to the saxophone. Coltrane takes one to another realm and he needed healing. He had been out of balance and in a musical wilderness, commercially successful, bus spiritually and physically killing himself in the process. I’m humbled and blessed, to be alive to carry out what I've learned from my contemporaries, but mostly my elders. Greats like Higgins, and Tapscott, and Ima who did not do it for the fame and fortune, but because of the music voice that summons us.

BENITO GONZALEZ
The fusion of world rhythms and straight-ahead jazz make this passionate performer an audience favorite all over the world. Benito Gonzalez is being recognized as an exciting pianist and composer for his well-received debut album, “Starting Point” (Christian McBride, Antonio Sanchez, Rene McLean, Ron Blake) and as winner of the 2005 Great American Jazz Piano Competition.

Presently, Benito is creating a very personal body of work for his sophomore album as a leader that will feature him as an improviser. After two years touring with jazz master, Kenny Garrett, he added numerous festivals and international jazz club dates to his credit. Benito has shared the stage with Curtis Fuller, Pharaoh Sanders, Bobby Hutcherson, Christian McBride, Ignacio Berroa, Roy Hargrove, Rene McLean, Steve Turre, Hamiet Bluiett, Antonio Sanchez, T.K. Blue, Nicholas Payton and Jackie Mclean.

His multi-cultural talents have led to frequent recording dates; from American jazz masters to West African musicians to Latin bands. He has also served as musical director for several Venezuelan recording artists.

The Benito Gonzalez Trio has appeared at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center at the University of Maryland and the Jacksonville Jazz Festival in addition to many other noted jazz venues.