Saxophonist Azar Lawrence
The World Stage4317 - 4331 Degnan Boulevard, Los Angeles 90008
Azar Lawrence performs as the billed saxophonist at The World Stage.
Los Angeles-based Lawrence is known for powerful, spiritually minded jazz and original compositions, with deep ties to the Coltrane songbook. His career has included work with McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Elvin Jones, Freddie Hubbard, Earth, Wind & Fire and Marvin Gaye. The Los Angeles Times called one performance “a stunning display of inventiveness,” while Chris May wrote that Lawrence sounds “more like John Coltrane than John Coltrane ever did. Well, almost.”
The World Stage offers a unique experience as a dedicated space for jazz and African American cultural expression in Leimert Park. Founded by jazz drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Daáood, it serves as both a performance venue and an educational hub, where you can catch live jazz concerts featuring both established and emerging artists. The room is a modest gallery-style space that encourages attentive listening, with a focus on the music rather than distractions like alcohol, which is not served here. Shows often include workshops and open jam sessions, fostering a community spirit rooted in artistic growth and cultural heritage. Expect a night where the music takes center focus, surrounded by walls that echo decades of creative history and community dedication.