Azar Lawrence is a native Angeleno. He 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. Azar played with the Dorsey High Jazz Band. 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 Tyners group for five years. Miles Davis approached Azar about joining his group. Azars first performance with Miles was in DC and then they performed in New York at Carnegie Hall where the legendary Dark Magus was recorded. Azar is a resident of the LA Jazz scene playing many times with his mentors Horace tappscott and Billy Higgins. He continues to lift audiences with his playing. This clip was made backstage at the rehearsal for the Mulatu Astatke concert for Timeless.
No comments:
Post a Comment