Throughout his exciting career, tenor/soprano saxist Azar Lawrence has carved a niche for keeping the candle burning first illuminated by the likes of John Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. This time out, however, he sounds like he’s inspired by the tones and tunes of Stanley Turrentine, giving a more preachy and 70s “soul” sound and atmosphere. He’s teamed with John Beasley-Nduduzo Makhathini/key-p, Sekou Bunch/b, Tony Austin/dr, Munyngo Jackson/pec, Destiny Muhammad/harp, James Saez-Greg Poree-Gregory Moore/g, Lynne Fiddmont/harp and Calesha Murray-Oren Waters-Lynne Fiddmont/voc.
The Afro Sheen shines with Lawrence on soprano sax, with the Middle Eastern lilt to “All In Love” while going dark and modal for “Revelation”. There’s a gorgeous cadense on the waltzing “Birds Are” and the tropical birds are tweeting on the Brazilian “From The Point Of Love”. His tenor is pulpit preaching on the Song for My Father-ish “Peace and Harmonhy” that has percolating percussion teamed with exciting guitar. For vocals, there’s a mellowed soul to the 70sish “Ain’t No Doubt” and some hip wacka wooka guitar on the back beating “Just Because Of You” while “New Sky” is a sweet Soul Train R&Ber. Lawrence takes a different route to reach the heavens, and it’s filled with sounds that would please Don Cornelius.