Summer Solstice

Long out of print and never before reissued, Azar Lawrence’s seminal album Summer Solstice returns to vinyl with an all analog mastering from the original tapes. Originally issued in 1975, this spiritual free-jazz album remains one of the highlights of the illustrious career of Azar Lawrence, who is one of the only artists from the legendary Prestige Recordings era who is still touring and putting out new music.

Shortly after John Coltrane's death in 1967, Azar Lawrence, at just 19 years old, was chosen by Elvin Jones (for 3.5 years) then McCoy Tyner (for 5 years) to fill the shoes of Mr. Coltrane. Lawrence has also contributed as a sideman to Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw. He has recorded and played with Miles Davis on his Dark Magus album, and wrote and recorded with Earth, Wind and Fire and Marvin Gaye to name a few!

Lawrence released Summer Solstice on Prestige Records in 1975, produced by Orrin Keepnews. It featured Raul de Souza, Gerald Hayes, Amaury Tristão, Dom Salvador, Ron Carter and Guilherme Franco on the songs Novo Ano and Highway, which were composed by Amaury Tristão, and Lawrence, Souza, Albert Dailey, Carter and Billy Hart on all other selections.