AZAR LAWRENCE

Blowing stronger than ever, and still on the circuit;  Azar Lawrence has confirmed his longstanding reputation as one of the 21st century's greatest exponents of the John Coltrane legacy.  Born in Los Angeles in 1952, by age 21 Lawrence had worked with War, Ike & Tina Turner, and Charles Wright's Watts 103rd Street Band ('Express Yourself'). He joined drummer Elvin Jones for two years, and for the next eight years moved between Jones' group and the McCoy Tyner band.

ERIC REED

Through more than a quarter-century as a first-caller on the jazz scene, Eric Scott Reed has articulated this inclusive conception as a leader of numerous ensembles, solo performer, composer, producer, educator and sideman with numerous artists. Whatever the context, whatever the style, he consistently animates the flow with fresh ideas, virtuosic chops, intellectual clarity and an unwavering will to groove.

On a remarkable series of recent recordings, Reed illuminates his aesthetic scope, navigating diverse terrain with intense focus and sagely concision. Consider, for example, one of Reed's most recent releases, The Adventurous Monk, a 2014 date on which he offers idiomatic yet personalized, loose yet cohesive interpretations of ten works by the genius pianist-composer Thelonious Monk.

ROY MCCURDY

Roy McCurdy will probably always be best-known for his important contributions to Cannonball Adderley's Quintet (1965-1975), but he has been a tasteful and stimulating participant in many other sessions through the years. 

McCurdy counts among his influences Louie Bellson, Shelly Manne, Sam Woodyard, Buddy Rich, 'Papa' Jo Jones, Philly Joe Jones and the bands of Duke Ellington, Jimmy Lunceford and Lionel Hampton. He' has performed on between 150 and 200 recordings. 

EDWIN LIVINGSTON

Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Edwin Livingston was exposed to music early on.  After receiving his B.M. in music performance he relocated several times in pursuit of new musical terrain. 

In his various travels he has played and recorded with many notable artists and masters; with: Elvin Jones, Ellis, Delfeayo, and Jason Marsalis, The Headhunters, Los Hombres Calientes (Grammy nominated Latin Jazz album), Ronnie Laws, Debra Laws, Lionel Loueke, D.J. Logic, David 'Fathead' Newman, John Beasley, Otmaro Ruiz, Mike Garson, Russell Ferrante, Sadao Watanabe, Justo Almario, Leni Stern, Dave Weckl, Will Kennedy, Peter Erskine, Vince Wilburn, Jr., Jimmy Branly, Horacio "El Negro" Hernandez, Tootie Heath, Dave Weckl, Joe LaBarbera, Hot Buttered Rhythm, Gecko Turner, Henry Butler, James Clay, Barbara Morrison, Queen Latifah,, Justin Timberlake, Will.I.Am, Brian McKnight, Mary J Blige, Aretha Franklin),Natalie Cole and many others.

Doors open 7:3p

Cover $15

nytimes.com/interactive/2016/05/27/arts/music/things-to-do-in-new-york-fleet-week-selena-gomez-tracy-morgan.html?_r=5

Event Flyer: azarlawrence.com/posters/azar_seabirdjazz_7.23_web.jpg

Websites:

azarlawrence.com

ericreed.net

edwinlivingston.com

music.usc.edu/roy-mccurdy/

youtube.com/watch?v=L3J7IomGuCc

gighear.org/artist.php?id=311

Free Parking @ Roscoe's House of Chicken 'N Waffles