Azar Lawrence
Prayer For My Ancestors
Furthermore Records
By George W. Harris

Missing in action for far too long, saxist Azar Lawrence is cooking on all 8 cylinders on this Coltrane-inspired set of originals. The main working band, which includes heavyweights Nate Morgan/p, Henry Franklin/b and Alphonse Mouson/dr, has the fire and intensity of the Impulse era Coltrane Quartet. Songs like “Open Sesame”, “Linda G” and “Under Tazanian Skies” display Lawrence’s volcanic tenor gurgling to climatic eruptions over the churning rhythm section. Morgan’s block harmonic chords are reminiscent of classic Tyner, while Mouson harnesses his frenzied drumming to the perfect tension. Franklin, one of LA’s best kept secrets, is rich and flexible the whole set. Other highlights include Lawrence’s soprano shining in elegance on the thoughtful “Ode To Pharoah” while Ibrahima Ba and Amadou fall add Western African strings and vocals to a lilting, serene and moving “Thokole.” For a bunch of guys that could be collecting Social Security, these gents got more fire in their bones than a busload of newcomers. Check out this cooker!