Azar Lawrence | Turn The Music Up

Azar Lawrence brings the spiritual intensity of his jazz roots into a vibrant contemporary setting on Turn The Music Up, blending expansive improvisation with Brazilian rhythms, funk, and reflective ballads. Lawrence on tenor and soprano saxophones leads The Azar Lawrence Experience through a program of his own compositions and works by Amaury Tristão, McCoy Tyner, Pharoah Sanders, and Leon Thomas, reconnecting with music from his early career while giving it renewed purpose. Joining in are Brian Swartz on trumpet, Taka Mori on guitar, Robert Turner on keyboards, Gerald Brown on bass, Yayo Morales on drums and percussion, and Lynne Fiddmont on vocals, with additional appearances by Quinn Carson on trombone, Munyungo Jackson and David Leach on percussion, and Adam Moseley on chimes. The combination of searching melodies, rhythmic variety, and soulful expression gives the recording both depth and accessibility. It’s an uplifting collection that reflects Lawrence’s musical journey while keeping his creative vision firmly in the present.