Friday, April 8, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia - Los Angeles, California - New York, New York
Coltrane Influenced Saxophonist Azar Lawrence performs a Tribute To John Coltrane and Joe Henderson at Atlanta’s Historical 1st Congregational Church in recognition of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) - International Jazz Day.
In 2011 The United Nations' declared April 30 International Jazz Day; and since it's very beginnings; worldwide the date is celebrated in hundreds of countries. Their Fifth Year Anniversary, this year the White House is celebrating the UNS' International Jazz day by hosting an event in recognition of what has quickly become an important date. ...
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Friday, April 8, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Atlanta, Georgia - Los Angeles, California - New York, New York
Coltrane Influenced Saxophonist Azar Lawrence performs a Tribute To John Coltrane and Joe Henderson at Atlanta’s Historical 1st Congregational Church in recognition of The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) - International Jazz Day.
In 2011 The United Nations' declared April 30 International Jazz Day; and since it's very beginnings; worldwide the date is celebrated in hundreds of countries. Their Fifth Year Anniversary, this year the White House is celebrating the UNS' International Jazz day by hosting an event in recognition of what has quickly become an important date.
November 2011, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially designated April 30 as International Jazz Day in order to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe. International Jazz Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about jazz and its roots, future and impact; raise awareness of the need for intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding; and reinforce international cooperation and communication. Each year on April 30, this international art form is recognized for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity; eradicating discrimination; promoting freedom of expression; fostering gender equality; and reinforcing the role of youth in enacting social change.
April 30, 2016 - Harmony Entertainment and Jazztones Productions presents Coltrane Influenced Saxophonist Azar Lawrence in a performance Tribute to John Coltrane and Joe Henderson at Atlanta’s Historical 1st Congregational Church. Special Guests include Chicago saxophonist Bernard Scavella, (former mentee of Joe Henderson); The Joe Jenning All-Stars and Vocalist Sweet Lu Olutosin.
About Azar Lawrence
During the 1970s, saxophonist Azar Lawrence was influenced by John Coltrane’s fastidious and rapturous diminutive group dynamics and dialect. He played in bands for many years led by Coltrane’s drummer, Elvin Jones, and his pianist, McCoy Tyner’s. Lawrence in his early 20s back then, was and still today is considered to be one of the best jazz musicians on the scene.
Furthermore, as a composer Azar wrote three songs (and additionally co-wrote one song with Patryce Banks) and performed on Stanley Turrentine’s album ‘Home Again’; and as well as, he wrote and performed on Woody Shaw’s, 'The Moontrane’. He collaborated with Earth, Wind & Fire’s leader the late Maurice White. Notably, Azar wrote and performed three songs on Earth, Wind & Fire's album ‘Powerlight'. With numerous credits Azar also performed and recorded with Miles Davis’ on Davis'‘Dark Magus’ album (1974) live at Carnegie Hall in New York; and he also performed on the Grammy award winning album; Marvin Gaye’s, ‘Hear My Dear’.
Azar’s 2014 CD recorded live at New York’s Jazz Standard; ‘The Seeker’, (Sunnyside Records) was up for consideration for a Grammy nomination. His upcoming release ‘Elementals’ reflects Azar’s philosophy that “Throughout out time and history, we see cultures celebrate and pay homage through music and dance to strengthen their bond and seek the favor and the Blessing of the mighty Elementals". Azar Lawrence's ‘Elementals’ promises to be another red hot production by the saxist guru!
About the 1st Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church of Atlanta came into existence as a “gathered church” on May 26, 1867. As one of the oldest (148 years) African American Congregational churches in the United States, the early history of First Church is embedded in the history of the American Missionary Association (A.M.A.); a highly esteemed music ministry (chancel choir, jazz chorus and jazz vespers, gospel ensemble, youth and children’s choirs, Meridian Herald, etc). 1st Congregational Church has a rich musical legacy; bringing the community together.
1st Congregational Church’s Senior Minister, Reverend Dr. Dwight D. Andrews, is not only a theological, spiritual leader; he’s also a music scholar as an Associate Music Theory Professor at Emory University. Among his many credits and accolades; he was the Artistic Director for several of the esteemed late prolific and Pulitzer Prize Winner playwright August Wilson’s Broadway productions. The Honorable Ambassador Andrew Young is also a member of the congregation.
1st Congregational is an uplifting place to pay tribute to two of America’s (John Coltrane and Joe Henderson) major contributors to it’s indigenous Art form Jazz. Azar who is; and is; often described as a Spiritual Jazz Musician. His forthcoming date at Atlanta's 1st Congregational Church is where he will certainly be performing on “sacred” holy ground. It is humbling and an honor.
Save the Date! April 30, 2016 and Join Us! to celebrate The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s (UNESCO) - International Jazz Day in a Celebration and Tribute to John Coltrane and Joe Henderson at Atlanta Georgia’s historical 1st Congregational Church; located at 105 Courtland Street, NE Atlanta, GA. Show time is 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Press: nytimes.com/2014/06/28/arts/music/azar-lawrence-quintet-focuses-on-the-seeker
Press: nytimes.com/2014/12/07/arts/music/revisiting-1964-coltrane
Hi Res Photo: azarlawrence.com/photos/AzarLawrence_BB_099.jpg
Event Poster: azarlawrence.com/posters/intljazzday_4.30.jpg
For information, visit: azarlawrence.com; firstchurchatl.org; jazzday.com
Contact: Jazztones Productions: [email protected] &/or Harmony Entertainment: [email protected]
ZARMAN PRODUCTIONS: [email protected]
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