"Life is a mystic journey. Fulfill your destiny."----Azar Lawrence
This inspirational quote in the artwork of "Mystic Journey," is perhaps for saxophonist Azar Lawrence a gentle reminder. It is a self-addressed post-it from an enormously talented musician, whose career seemed to derail for a time. With the release of "Mystic Journey" Azar Lawrence appears more than ready to reclaim the destiny that is his, as one of the modern masters of the saxophone.
Beginning with the title track, Azar Lawrence abducts the listener on a kaleidoscopic excursion of saxophone-ology. Lawrence's horn soars with exciting reverence, past the mountains of Charles Parker, the canals of John Coltrane, across the sea of Sonny Rollins. Azar Lawrence is deeply rooted in the footsteps of these icons, yet the sound unleashed is his own. The impression lingers long after the track is over.
The Los Angeles native long ago distinguished himself as a force on the jazz scene. This effort is as evocative of the best that modern jazz has to offer. Benito Gonzalez strikes the piano with searing speed, reckless abandon, and precision that lends comparison to McCoy Tyner.
Summer Solstice is an introspective piece with hint of Latin jazz undertones that lend a slightly romantic flair. The melody is a warm summer rain on a busy street corner, where amber lights flash silent commands.
The driving piano on "Walk Spirit" calls to mind early Stax sound, while the peaceful "Quest" is a cascading horn combo.
With the standard "Say It Over Again," Lawrence again invites the shadow of Coltrane, the singular comparison that seems to accompany Azar his entire career. While others might recoil from such a heavy burden, Lawrence seems to embrace the association to the saxophone giant.
One other Coltrane connection: this album is dedicated to the memory and the music of drummer Rashied Ali, who along with Elvin Jones, played drums for John Coltrane on Meditations and at the Village Gate. Ali, viewed as one of the pioneering avant-garde musicians, passed away in 2009. The brilliance of Azar Lawrence, along with the last recordings of Rashied Ali makes "Mystic Journey" something special.-----LEE DAVIS