UPCOMING EVENTS
Powerhouse Performers Review for Half Moon Bay
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Meet The TALEr's
Mr. Azar Lawrence (Saxophonist)
Azar is on fire! Shortly after John Coltane’s death in 1967, Azar Lawrence, at just 19 years old, was chosen by Elvin Jones (for 3.5 years) then McCoy Tyner (for 5 years) to fill the shoes of Mr.Coltrane. Azar recorded and played with Miles Davis on his Dark Magus album, wrote and recorded with Earth, Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye to name a few! Azar’s 2018 album, Elementals, garnered such reviews as “Azar Lawrence sounds more like John Coltrane than John Coltrane ever did” Chris May, London Times, a humbling review. Azar continues to roar with his 8 piece ensemble, The Azar Lawrence Experience, sizzling to the sound of Azar’s original compositions from Elementals and Concord’s reiissued Bridge into the New Age & the 1976 Summer Solstice album!
(Click Here to See Azar’s Full Bio)
Babatunde Lea (Percussion)
Babatunde Lea’s vast experience of nearly forty years as a master percussionist, as well as the spiritual depth and resonance he brings to everything he does, has made him one of the most esteemed musicians of the past half century. He joined a band called Juju, which relocated to Richmond, Virginia in the early 1970s. Among the artists with whom he played were Stan Getz, Joe Henderson, McCoy Tyner, Randy Weston, Van Morrison, and Oscar Brown, Jr.. His first album as leader, Levels of Consciousness was released in 1979. He recorded with a band called Phenomena, which grew out of the Loft Jazz Association. In 2010, Babatunde moved to Pennsylvania to teach at Gettysburg College.
Brian Swartz (Trumpet)
Trumpeter Brian Swartz has appeared on multiple Grammy nominated and winning recordings with artists including The Dixie Chicks, John Beasley’s Monk’estra , and Kim Richmond’s Concert Jazz Orchestra. He has also performed or recorded with Michael Bublé, Saint Motel, Patti Labelle, Natalie Cole, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, The Luckman Jazz Orchestra, Jose Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars and many more.
Dale Williams (Guitar)
Dale Williams was born and raised in Hyde Park, on the south side of Chicago. While still in Chicago, Williams performed with many other well-known acts such as the the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians), Phil Coran, as well as the Pharaohs/aka Sky (just to name a few). From there, Williams toured the US with Little Milton, Oscar Brown Jr., the Sun-Ra Arkestra, and Jean Carn.
Williams eventually made his way to Los Angeles, where he would go on to tour with artists such as Watt’s 103rd st. Band, Rebbie Jackson, Otis Day & the Knights, Solomon Burke’s, Mighty Mo Rodgers, Tito Jackson, Dorothy Moore, LL Cool J, Ronnie Laws, Elosie Laws, and Tom Browne. Dale Williams began performing in the local blues, jazz, and R&B scene, where he played with Howard Hewitt, Al B Sure, Faith Evans, Eric Bennet, The Mary Jane Girls, Doug E Fresh, Brian McKnight, and Brandy.
Theo Saunders (Piano)
Saunders’ musical odyssey has taken him to Five continents and more than twenty-Five countries. He has performed in many of the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, concert halls and night clubs, with distinguished jazz artists including: Freddie Hubbard, Carla Bley, Charles Lloyd, Bob Brookmeyer, Sonny Fortune, Buddy Collette, Eddie Harris,Ted Curson, James Moody, Bobby Hutcherson, Teddy Edwards, Jack Dejohnette, Joe Lovano, Jimmy Garrison, Pharoah Sanders, Harold Land, John Scofield, Slam Stewart, Al Cohn, Zoot Sims ,Reggie Workman, Curtis Fuller, Rashied Ali, Mike Stern, Benny Powell, Chris Conners, Morgana King & Roseanna Vitro,David “Fathead” Newman, J.R. Montrose, Brew Moore,Sonny Greenwich, John Klemmer, and Azar Lawrence, just to name a few.
Trevor Ware (Bass)
Trevor Ware is well recognized as one of the most supportive jazz bassists in Los Angeles. His style focuses not only on producing a supportive bass tone with impeccable intonation, but also features long, creative, well developed bass lines. Developing his love for music at The World Stage Performance Gallery. After being offered his first professional gig by legendary pianist and composer Horace Tapscott & New York saxophonist Sonny Fortune, Ware developed as sense of musical adventure playing in Tapscott’s quartet and Pan Afrikan People’s Arkestra Having appeared on over 40 recordings, Ware’s current musical associations include Kenny Burrell, Molly Ringwald, Jeff Goldblum & The Count Basie
Windy Barnes Farrell (Vocals)
Windys’ luxurious vocals move effortlessly from Jazz to Pop, to R&B and Gospel. It’s easy to see why she is one of the most sought after singers around the globe. Windy has been featured extensively on tour with the highest grossing balladeer in the world, Julio Iglesias. She has traveled the world many times over with one of the most imitated, respected and endearing singer/song writer/musician of the 21st century, Stevie Wonder. She has also performed with Michael Bolton. It stands to reason why the unique vocal styling’s of Windy Barnes is recognized all over the world.
Yayo Morales (Drums)
Yayo Morales after spending many years of international acclaim, living and working in Europe, performing with top Jazz, Latin Jazz and Flamenco stars, moved and is now situated in L.A. Drummer, Composer, Producer, Arranger and Educator, Yayo has played with an array of talent, such as:, Jerry González, Chano Domínguez, “Tomatito”, Jorge Pardo, Carles Benavent, and many other artists including Rita Marley, La Barbería del Sur, Henry “The Skipper” Franklin, Azar Lawrence, Bobby Bradford, Steve Cotter, Theo Saunders, Benn Clatworthy and Ron Stout to mention a few. His own project entitled “Los Andes Jazz Project” parts one and two, based on rhythms and folkloric styles from Bolivia and the Andes fused with jazz was awarded a diploma from the Honorable Alcaldía Municipal de La Paz (Bolivia) and the Oficialía Mayor de Culturas for his work, in recognition for his contribution to the development of Bolivian contemporary music.
A wonderful night of beautiful and healing music at UCLA's Royce Hall.
Thank you and blessings to "Sweet Honey In The Rock"
More Memories...
A Night at the Grammy Museum
Miles Davis & John Coltrane: The Final Tour
Special Guest: AZAR LAWRENCE
Azar at the Grammy Museum discussing Miles Davis/John Coltrane The Final Tour Box Set with Vincent Wilburn Jr., Miles Nephew, Arron Davis (Miles Son), Michelle Coltrane, Johns Daughter, and Steve Berkowitz, producer.
Azar and The TALErs
Azar Lawrence, Derf Reklaw, Brian Swartz, Theo Saunders, Yayo Morales, Dale Williams, Windy Barnes Farrell, and Trevor Ware.
#ITWASHOT!!
Azar makes a wish with his Special Guest Oren Waters, and Manager Tracy Hannah.
Azar Lawrence and Windy Barnes Farrell performing Beautiful and Omipresent Love off of the 'Bridge Into The New Age' Album
MUSIC - LISTEN TO SAMPLE
