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Denver Jazz Fest Presents: Azar Lawrence Quartet: Culminating Coltrane Live at Dazzle December 10 at 6:00PM & 8:30PM

Tickets available at DenverJazz.org

“[Lawrence has] sculpted that Coltrane-oriented goodness into the mosaic of his own mature artistry.” —JazzTimes

Saxophonist Azar Lawrence came of age inside John Coltrane's direct musical lineage. In his late teens and twenties he held chairs with Elvin Jones and then McCoy Tyner — Coltrane's own legendary drummer and pianist — appearing on landmark albums like Enlightenment and Atlantis, and recording with Miles Davis on Dark Magus. That apprenticeship shaped a sound built on Coltrane's harmonic language and spiritual reach, but Lawrence never stayed a copyist: over five decades he's carried that foundation into his own catalog, from 1974's Bridge Into the New Age through Elementals, developing a broad, gritty tone and an improvisational logic that's distinctly his own. The Los Angeles-born Lawrence, has never been confined by conventional genres or categories, though: His instrumental and songwriting work with iconic soul artists Chuck Jackson, Roberta Flack, Marvin Gaye, Phyllis Hyman; and the Earth, Wind & Fire is just as indelible.

“Culminating Coltrane” closes out the centennial year of Coltrane's birth with Lawrence returning to the source — the music of his mentor's mentors — filtered through everything he's learned in the fifty years since. It's a rare chance to hear that lineage carried forward by someone who lived it.

#dazzle #dazzledenver #denverjazz #denverjazzclub #denverjazzbar #denvermusic
#denverconcert #denverresturant taken in Dazzle by @denjazzfest

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a month ago

“The band is celebrated for its ability to transcend traditional jazz boundaries.”
— Jazzapedia

Join us for two unforgettable nights as the Denver Jazz pre-festival series begins when one of the defining voices in modern jazz comes to Denver this November.

From the ages of nine to thirteen, Brian Blade played violin before following in the footsteps of his older brother and taking up the drums in church. As a teenager, he performed professionally with The Polyphonics under Dorsey Summerfield Jr., where he was introduced to the music of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Elvin Jones, and Joni Mitchell.

In 1988, Blade moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where he met pianist Jon Cowherd and the roots of the Fellowship Band were formed. Together they studied alongside many of New Orleans’ master musicians, laying the foundation for one of the most celebrated ensembles in modern jazz.

Since first recording together in 1998, the Brian Blade & The Fellowship Band has become internationally acclaimed for its lyrical compositions, deep musical connection, and ability to transcend traditional jazz boundaries. Over nearly three decades, the group has released seven recordings: Fellowship (1998), Perceptual (2000), Season of Changes (2008), Landmarks (2014), Body and Shadow (2017), Live from the Archives (2022), and Kings Highway (2023).

Tickets available at denverjazz.org link in bio

@dazzle_denver
November 24 & 25

@brianbladeofficial — drums
@rolandguerin — bass
@rootsknappy — alto saxophone
@melvin.l.butler — tenor saxophone
@joncowherdmusic — piano taken in Dazzle by @denjazzfest

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a month ago

On Sale Now: One of the defining voices in modern jazz comes to Denver this November.

From the ages of nine to thirteen, Brian Blade played violin before following in the footsteps of his older brother and taking up the drums in church. As a teenager, he performed professionally with The Polyphonics under Dorsey Summerfield Jr., where he was introduced to the music of John Coltrane, Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Thelonious Monk, Elvin Jones, and Joni Mitchell.

In 1988, Blade moved to New Orleans to attend Loyola University, where he met pianist Jon Cowherd and the roots of the Fellowship Band were formed. Together they studied alongside many of New Orleans’ master musicians, laying the foundation for one of the most celebrated ensembles in modern jazz.

Since first recording together in 1998, the Brian Blade Fellowship Band has become internationally acclaimed for its lyrical compositions, deep musical connection, and ability to transcend traditional jazz boundaries. Over nearly three decades, the group has released seven recordings: Fellowship (1998), Perceptual (2000), Season of Changes (2008), Landmarks (2014), Body and Shadow (2017), Live from the Archives (2022), and Kings Highway (2023).

Join us for two unforgettable nights as the Denver Jazz pre-festival series begins.

Tickets available at denverjazz.org

@dazzle_denver
November 24 & 25

@brianbladeofficial — drums
@christopherthomas_official — bass
@rootsknappy — alto saxophone
@melvin.l.butler — tenor saxophone
@joncowherdmusic — piano taken in Dazzle by @denjazzfest

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2 months ago

Two jazz legends. Two unforgettable nights. Tickets on sale now!

Denver Jazz is proud to present two of the most celebrated artists in jazz at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts as part of Denver Jazz Fest 2027.

Thursday, April 8 | Kurt Elling & The Colorado Jazz Repertory Orchestra

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Kurt Elling, one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz, joins the @coloradojazz Repertory Orchestra for a special evening of big band arrangements, extraordinary musicianship, and vocal improvisation.

Friday, April 9 | Ron Carter Quartet

With more than 2,200 recording credits and a career spanning over six decades, Ron Carter is the most recorded jazz bassist in history. From his legendary work with Miles Davis to his remarkable career as a bandleader, Carter remains one of the most influential figures in the history of jazz.

Two nights. Two legendary artists. One extraordinary venue.

April 8th & 9th 2027 at 7 PM @newmancenterdu

Tickets are ON SALE NOW through the link in our bio.

#DenverJazz #DenverJazzFest #DJF2027 #KurtElling #RonCarter

Photos Courtesy of @_davestapleton for @kurtelling & @adamcantor for @roncarterbassist taken in Newman Center for the Performing Arts by @denjazzfest

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a day ago

Denver has waited nearly a decade for this return.

Two-time GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist and recent Broadway standout @kurtelling returns to Denver for a special 2027 Denver Jazz Fest performance with @coloradojazz Repertory Orchestra, under the musical direction of Drew Zaremba.

A 17-time GRAMMY nominee, Elling’s career has taken him to more than 70 countries, from hosting International Jazz Day in his hometown of Chicago to multiple performances at the White House.

For this Denver-only performance, Elling and CJRO will bring the power of a full big band to the stage, with music from his recent album with Germany’s acclaimed WDR Big Band serving as the nucleus of the evening.

One night. One of jazz’s defining voices. Back in Denver at last.

April 8th 2027 @newmancenterdu

Tickets available to the public October 8th.

Want first access to shows like this? Become a Denver Jazz member and unlock early access to 2027 Denver Jazz Fest tickets before they go on sale to the general public @ DenverJazz.org (Link in Bio) taken in Newman Center for the Performing Arts by @denjazzfest

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2 days ago

Join us Friday, April 9 for an evening with jazz legend Ron Carter.

With more than 2,200 recording sessions across six decades, Carter is the most recorded jazz bassist in history. From Miles Davis’s Second Great Quintet to countless landmark sessions, his unmistakable sound has helped shape modern jazz.

Now approaching 90 and still touring, this is a rare opportunity to experience a true architect of the music live.

Featuring:
@roncarterbassist — bass
@reneerosnes — piano
@jimmygreenemusic — saxophone
Payton Crossley — drums

Friday April 9th @newmancenterdu

Festival presale for select shows has begun.

Members can purchase early-bird tickets today.

General public tickets go on sale Thursday, October 8.

Become a member today for early access.

Photos by Natalie White, Pete Coco and Adam Cantor taken in Newman Center for the Performing Arts by @denjazzfest

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4 days ago

Happy Birthday to John Coltrane “One of Our Favorite Things.”

Born September 23, 1926, Coltrane transformed the sound of jazz and left behind a legacy that continues to shape the music we love today.

Celebrating 100 years of John Coltrane, a musical visionary whose influence continues to inspire generations of artists and listeners around the world.

Join us on December 10th as legendary saxophonist @azar.lawrence_ , who performed alongside Coltrane’s bandmates McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones, honors his centennial with “Culminating Coltrane.”

An evening celebrating the music, spirit, and enduring influence of one of jazz’s most important voices.

December 10th
6 & 8:30 PM @dazzle_denver

Featuring:
@azar.lawrence_ : Saxophones
@sethlewisbass : Bass
@alejandrobot : Drums
Eric Gunnison: Piano taken in Dazzle by @denjazzfest

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16 days ago

Saxophonist @azar.lawrence_ came of age inside John Coltrane’s direct musical lineage, performing with Coltrane’s legendary bandmates Elvin Jones and McCoy Tyner while still in his late teens and twenties.

Over the next five decades, Lawrence forged that foundation into a sound distinctly his own, recording with Miles Davis and working across jazz and soul with artists including Marvin Gaye, Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman and Earth, Wind & Fire.

“Culminating Coltrane” brings Lawrence back to the music that helped shape him, closing out Coltrane’s centennial year through the perspective of an artist who lived that lineage firsthand.

Dec 10th 6 & 8:30PM @dazzle_denver

Azar Lawrence: Saxophones
Eric Gunnison: Piano
Seth Lewis: Bass
Alejandro Castano: Drums taken in Dazzle by @denjazzfest

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a month ago

Closing out John Coltrane’s centennial year, saxophonist Azar Lawrence — a direct link to Trane’s own lineage — brings his quartet to Dazzle on Dec 10 for “Culminating Coltrane,” with Eric Gunnison, Seth Lewis & Alejandro Castaño. Tickets: members only. Join today for member presale access, Aug 28–29 — don’t miss it, click the link in our bio to join today and get access to tickets before the public.
@azar.lawrence_ @dazzle_denver #coltrane #jazz by @denjazzfest

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a month ago

The road to Denver Jazz Fest 2027 starts now.

As we begin preparing for next year, we’re looking back at some of the moments that made Denver JazzFest 2026 special.

One of those moments was welcoming Bob James to Denver with his incredible quartet.

Thank you, Denver, for your ongoing support. Because of this community, artists, venues, volunteers, sponsors, and music lovers came together to create something truly special across the city.

We’ll be sharing more performances, collaborations, and behind-the-scenes moments from the festival in the months ahead.

See you in 2027. taken in Newman Center for the Performing Arts by @denjazzfest

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4 months ago

Denver Jazz Fest 2026 Recap:

Six days, fifteen venues, forty shows.

What started as a vision became a citywide moment built by this community.

To our artists, thank you for bringing the music to life night after night.

To our venues, thank you for opening your rooms and helping shape each experience.

To our sponsors and partners, thank you for believing in this and making it possible.

To our volunteers, thank you for the time, energy, and care that carried this festival forward.

From sold out shows to late night collaborations, the city showed up in a way we will not forget. The spirit of Denver’s music community was felt in every room, every set and every moment.

This was more than a festival. It was a reflection of what this city is capable of.

We are just getting started.

Get involved and support the future at denverjazz.org

Video by @julioislas_artsandmedia taken in Denver, Colorado by @denjazzfest

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5 months ago

Thank you, Denver.

We’re still reflecting on the two nights with @themotet and @ghost_note_official at @cervantesmasterpiece

Thank you for bringing a level of energy and musicianship that carried seamlessly from set to set, for creating moments that felt continuous rather than contained and for shaping an atmosphere that stayed with the room throughout.

What makes this festival special is the depth of local talent, music culture and live venues in Denver. It’s what allows the music to carry from room to room and what elevates this into something more than a typical jazz festival. It’s something we’re continuing to build on as we look ahead towards next year.

Those were truly two special nights and we’re grateful to have shared them with all of you here in Denver. taken in Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom by @denjazzfest

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5 months ago