Jazz Articles about Josh Lawrence

About Josh Lawrence

Radio & Podcasts

New Music From Josh Lawrence, Enrico Rava, Keith Jarrett And More

by Bob Osborne
October 22, 2026

On the show a selection of the very best in new and forthcoming releases where industry legends mix with new upcoming stars. The featured release is a significant box set by Michael Moss which covers a wide variety of music and instrumentation.Playlist Josh Lawrence “Ola's Bolero" from Philly Twisted (Posi-Tone Records) 00:00 Enrico Rava Fearless Five with Joe Lovano “Bowery Dance" from Corners (ECM Records) 05:42 Keith Jarrett “Part III" from Roma (ECM Records) 10:41 Bishu Chattopadhyay “BC ...

Album Review

Josh Lawrence: Still We Dream

Read "Still We Dream" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
September 29, 2025

"Long As You're Living," the opening track of Still We Dream, trumpeter Josh Lawrence 's seventh release for Posi-Tone Records, is an ideal candidate for extensive airplay on jazz radio. Coming in at under four minutes, it is all substance, no fluff, no excess. A blues in 5/4 time, generating middling tempo swing courtesy of bassist Boris Kozlov and drummer Rudy Royston, this cover of Julian Priester 's and Tommy Turrentine's subtly funky line makes for an auspicious beginning. Still, ...

Album Review

Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band: Walk A Mile In My Shoe

Read "Walk A Mile In My Shoe" reviewed by Steve Plever

by Steve Plever
August 4, 2025

A glance through the track list--with covers of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye and two swing-era vocal standards--could give you the wrong impression. Yes, this is a very accessible and soulful album, but it is serious and heartfelt jazz, with Orrin Evans' personal stamp making it work. Blues, soul and gospel sounds share the stage here with swing, straight-ahead and avant-garde influences--no surprise given Evans' decade of playing with the Mingus Big Band. Evans' piano sets the tone ...

Album Review

Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band: Walk A Mile In My Shoe

Read "Walk A Mile In My Shoe" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi

by Angelo Leonardi
October 25, 2024

Il nuovo disco di Orrin Evans e della sua Captain Black Big Band ci ricorda l'importanza delle radici per la comunità musicale afroamericana: il gospel, il blues, le big band, i cantanti e strumentisti storici. Una risorsa che è anche identità collettiva e forza culturale. Come ha sempre fatto in passato, il pianista e bandleader di Philadelphia s'ispira alla tradizione per rinnovarla e arricchirla, con passione e freschezza. Stavolta le orchestrazioni sono funzionali alle interpretazioni di quattro prodigiosi ...

Album Review

Josh Lawrence: Measured Response

Read "Measured Response" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
July 18, 2024

Art Hirahara's brief, cryptic solo piano intro to “Where Do We Go?," the opening track of trumpeter/flugelhornist Josh Lawrence's album, offers little indication of what immediately follows: Lawrence's warm-toned, delectable horn surrounded by relaxed, straightforward, middling-tempo swing courtesy of bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston. This intriguing transition sets the stage for a recording that establishes a loose continuity amid changes in mood and temperament. Measured Response encompasses an impressive stylistic reach. “A Tragic Tango Comedy" ...

Album Review

Josh Lawrence: And That Too

Read "And That Too" reviewed by David A. Orthmann

by David A. Orthmann
April 26, 2023

Less than ten seconds into “Grit," the opening track of Josh Lawrence's latest chapter as a leader for Posi-Tone Records, the trumpeter uncorks a jaw-dropping solo. Set in a brisk, no-nonsense tempo, it does not so much eclipse the music that follows as it sets the tone for the record by declaring that And That Too is playful and deadly serious. Lawrence's rich, full-bodied tone is the entryway to over two minutes of unadulterated invention. Every note ...

Album Review

Caleb Wheeler Curtis: Ain't No Storm

Read "Ain't No Storm" reviewed by Paul Rauch

by Paul Rauch
April 12, 2021

Caleb Wheeler Curtis is a noted voice in the modern world of alto saxophone, in large part due to his association with fellow artists. Most significantly, his work with Philadelphia-based pianist Orrin Evans and the “village" of creative participants within has put a spotlight on his style which attaches itself to tradition while exhibiting a willingness to explore new territory. On his most recent release Ain't No Storm, he presents eleven original compositions that feature fellow Evans bandmates Mark Whitfield ...