DESCRIPTION:
Al McLean & Azar Lawrence "FRONTIERS"
Cellar Live Records 2016
https://cellarlive.com/products/lawrence-mclean-frontiers
Official US Launch Summer 2017

A classic recording of two superb saxophonists, "Frontiers" brings us to the edge of music's vast expanse. The two front-men are considered among the heaviest saxophonists in the Jazz genre, and their wide spheres of influence intersect here, on this recording.

Azar Lawrence brings a depth and richness to the project that is rare in contemporary Jazz. One of the progenitors of the Post-Trane style, Azar has played and recorded with McCoy Tyner, Elvin Jones, Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw.

An explosive and spiritually driven player, Azar thrives on the swirling drama of a strong band. Exquisitely sensitive and irrepressible, he reveals the anguish, joy and unfettered freedom of the music. In the sound of Azar Lawrence's saxophone, we are reminded of the relevance of Jazz, of its potential to express the complete panoply of the human spirit.

Al McLean is deeply versed in the Coltrane and post-Coltrane language of Jazz, and in fact grew up listening to Azar Lawrence's early recordings. McLean is regarded by many as the most formidable tenor players in Canada, with seemingly endless energy, virtuosity and presence. This is Al McLean's second recording with Azar Lawrence.

Adrian [Big-Daddy] Vedady (bass) holds the band firmly together with an unparalleled drive and pulse. Vedady is the bassist of call in Montreal, his style firmly rooted in tradition, but with an unmistakable contemporary facility and freedom.

Paul Shrofel (piano) is both technically commanding, and intensely melodic. His playing is densely populated by singable melodies, and he builds each solo with the care of a master storyteller.

Greg Ritchie (drums) brings a forward leaning touch to the rhythm section. Modern, flexible and buoyant, Ritchie's feel is contemporary, yet versed in the post-Coltrane sound.

Recorded by Randy Cole and Tonio Morin-Vargas in Dorval Quebec.

Technical notes:

Microphones by Tannoy (unidirectional ribbon), Schoeps, RFT, Melodium (42B), RCA (BK-5) and Bang & Olufsen.