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Josh Lawrence: Contrast
by Thad Aerts
On Contrast, Josh Lawrence and Color Theory's second recording for Posi-Tone, the group executes a classic framework held together with tight chemistry. Lawrence may be the leader, but the gist of the end product is a very democratic arrangement where no one musician or group of musicians takes precedence. Each shine at various times throughout Contrast. The album is a fairly straightforward endeavor displaying solid, classic jazz in form and execution. It's at the sixth track, “Gray" that ...
Continue ReadingJosh Lawrence & Color Theory: Contrast
by David A. Orthmann
Josh Lawrence & Color Theory's Contrast features a host of varied, sturdy and invigorating compositions by the leader, an ensemble that plays them with élan, a number of arresting soloists, and a rhythm section that rapidly moves between sly and rambunctious. While all of these factors are important, they don't adequately capture the record's essence. Perhaps another way of looking at Contrast is that a number of somewhat familiar elements exist side-by-side with an abundance of bold, startling moments that ...
Continue ReadingNew Faces: Straight Forward
by David A. Orthmann
New Faces is the brainchild of producer Marc Free, who comingles the talents of six young jazzers, each of whom has led at least one session for Posi-Tone. With the exception of a Herbie Hancock composition, the material is comprised of attractive, catchy themes of varying degrees of complexity, penned by a number of the label's artists and originally released on records throughout Posi-Tone's two-decade plus history. The record was recorded in one day, the group sounds well prepared, and ...
Continue ReadingJosh Lawrence & Color Theory: Contrast
by Paul Rauch
Trumpeter Josh Lawrence has had a long and diverse trek to where he is now. Beginning in his native New Jersey, he has embraced jazz culture in Philadelphia, Europe, and finally New York City, where he has gained a solid reputation as a musician, bandleader, and composer. On his second release for the Posi-Tone label, Lawrence explores several different avenues of musical expressionism with his “Color Theory" project. The new record, entitled Contrast, digs into the counterpoint of ...
Continue ReadingNew Faces: Straight Forward
by Paul Rauch
The collection of musicians on this record, collectively referred to as “New Faces," is an attempt by Posi-Tone producer Marc Free to create a sampler of the label's mission, utilizing a selection of young leaders to collectively personify their overall musical vision. As stated on the Posi- Tone website, “The entire series of succinct performances included on this album are deliberately intended to provide accurate practical auditory insight and representation of the musical aesthetics and operational ethos of Posi-Tone Records." ...
Continue ReadingJosh Lawrence Quintet at Chris’ Jazz Café
by Victor L. Schermer
Josh Lawrence Quintet Chris' Jazz Cafe Philadelphia, PA February 5, 2016 Josh Lawrence is a top-of-the-line, ascending trumpeter/composer/bandleader in Philadelphia and New York who in a few short years has three solo albums under his name, is a member of Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band and is co-founder of the hot new ensemble, the Fresh Cut Orchestra. He is also a member of Bobby Zankel's Warriors of the Wonderful Sound and an active ...
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