Author: Judy

The Romantic Side of Azar Lawrence – Just In Time For Valentine’s Day!

The weather has been incredible lately! Rainy, windy and as icy cold as the frigid air whipping around on a Manhattan crosstown street exactly this time of year in my native city. I love it!

But L.A.’s the place to be. More specifically, Spazio on Valentines Day — for an evening that promises to be incredibly romantic. The legendary Azar Lawrence — he worked and recorded with Miles Davis, among many other greats — is a wondrous sax player whose rich, deep tone on tenor makes you feel that he’s letting you see into his soul. It’s a lovely, pure place to be. Immediately following our Valentine’s show, he’s off to New York to play with McCoy Tyner and Benny Golson.

Azar and I are working on a set list that includes “Violets For Your Furs,” “My Ship,” “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and Rogers and Hart’s “You Are Too Beautiful.”

If you’re planning on coming, the music starts at 7:30-ish, you’ll need a reservation (818 728-8400). Ask to be seated as close to the stage as possible and be prepared for a warm, intimate evening and some very special creations from Chef Torgerman’s kitchen.

Azar Lawrence with Judy Chamberlain at Spazio in Sherman Oaks for Valentine’s Day!

The great saxophonist Azar Lawrence, who has toured and recorded with Miles Davis. Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner and a “who’s who” list of jazz greats will be featured with our romantic swing quintet at Spazio on February 14 for a fabulous Valentine’s Day evening. Please join us!

The Judy Chamberlain Quintet

Spazio, 14755 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

8 p.m.

Reservations a must!

Judy Chamberlain – v

Rich Eames – p

Harvey Newmark – b

Azar Lawrence – s

Mark Stevens – d

L.A. Jazz Scene Review, December 2007

LA JAZZ SCENE, DECEMBER 2007

No matter how many times one sees and hears Judy Chamberlain, it is difficult not to be impressed by her seemingly endless repertoire, her ability to read an audience — in the moment and with those perfect tempos of hers — and her skill at keeping the music jumping and the momentum flowing. At Spazio last month, backed by a rhythm section that included longtime collaborator Ben May on bass and Mark Stevens on drums, Chamberlain’s unique brand of spontaneous interaction with both band and audience was in its usual fine form, while her range, flexibility and vocal control displayed what has put her at the top level of jazz singers today. From a sensitive reading of Red Mitchell’s alternate lyric on “All The Things You Are” to a totally improvised Gershwin medley that included an “instrumental” duet with bassist May on “Rhapsody in Blue,” Ms. Chamberlain’s close interplay with her musicians was, as always, exciting to watch. Chamberlain, who was featured in Playboy Jazz Festivals 2007, will perform at Spazio with her band on New Year’s Eve.

— Scott Yanow

Limited Space for a Live Band?

Thinking of hiring a live band, but feel there isn’t a lot of space for the musicians and their instruments?

Those with limited space capabilities may be pleasantly surprised to find that a simple trio or quartet can play a lovely variety of music — AND do it without having to haul in a lot of space-hogging equipment.

There’s really nothing more classy than live music.

And sometimes less really IS more…

It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

As the nights get colder here in California and we begin to say farewell to the year that is ending, we hold our loved ones close…and reflect on the things that are most dear to us.

For many of us, the most precious treasure of all is the freedom we, as a nation, have fought to uphold through the best of times….and the worst of times.

And we remember Pearl Harbor – December 7, 1941, a day that will live in infamy. The feelings and prayers of our nation then – as they are now – are well expressed in a beloved musical sentiment.

“We’re going to need a song,” Kate Smith’s manager told Irving Berlin in 1938. War had already broken out in Europe, and it was only a matter of time before America would enter the fray. A rejected twenty year-old manuscript came to mind, and soon Irving was telling Kate: I have a little song from the last war. It’s not much, but you’re welcome to it.

“While the storm clouds gather
far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance
to a land that’s free
Let us all be grateful
for a land so fair
As we raise our voices
in a solemn prayer…..

God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with the light from above
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the ocean white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home.”

Happy holidays, everybody.