Chameleon – 1979 – Chameleon
A project of the great saxophonist Azar Lawrence, who is probably best known for playing with McCoy Tyner. I was expected jazz fusion, but there’s very little jazz here. Instead, it’s a toe-tapping disco-funk-r&b extravaganza, with excellent vocals by the band members, thumping bass, and a little of Azar’s wah-wah “Zarsonic Wand”.
Remixed by Don Mizell and produced by Fred Wesley and multi-instrumentalist Azar Lawrence is an essential addition to a funk, soul, and jazz fusion collection. Notable songs include the uplifting, cosmic disco of “ We’ll Be Dancin ‘”, “ Come Into My Life “, the ballad “ I Feel You Here “, and the instrumental “ Mysteryoso “.
Tracks A1 Get Up 4:15 A2 Wishing On A Dream 5:48 A3 Unfair Affair 4:16 A4 Game Of Life 4:28 B1 We’ll Be Dancin’ 4:52 B2 Come Into My Life 4:08 B3 I Feel You Here 4:41 B4 Mysteryoso 3:47 B5 For You 2:32
Los Angeles saxophone player Azar Lawrence is known for his work with McCoy Tyner and Miles Davis, but that just scratches the surface. He began his musical journey playing the violin at just five years old, but transitioned into saxophone by 13 and never put it down. Starting at Dorsey High School Jazz Workshop, while being taught and mentored by songwriter / screenwriter Herbert Baker.
Lawrence played his first professional gigs as a teen abroad with trumpeter Clark Terry and blues legend Muddy Waters. Following high school graduation, the musician joined Horace Tapscott’s Pan Afrikan Arkestra and regularly collaborated with George Cables, Candy Finch, Larry Gales, and Woody Shaw at a nearby venue called L.B. West on 54th St. in South LA. He performed in Ike & Tina Turner’s band, Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band, and War. Before he hit 20, Lawrence commenced an extraordinary three-and-a-half year journey alongside Elvin Jones, the acclaimed drummer from John Coltrane’s quartet. Lawrence became a member of McCoy Tyner’s band for five-plus years, playing on some of Tyner’s best albums.
Along the way, Lawrence recorded and wrote music for Roberta Flack, Phyllis Hyman, Freddie Hubbard, and Busta Rhymes. He contributed to Earth Wind & Fire’s immensely praised platinum album, Powerlight, as well as Marvin Gaye’s searing divorce album Here, My Dear. The saxophonist continues to make phenomenal music with the Azar Lawrence Experience, which consists of Lynne Fiddmont on vocals, guitarist Dale Williams, Chris Lowery on trumpet, Wes Lowery on drums, Robert Turner on keys, and Munyungo Jackson and David Leach on percussion.
His three 1970s solo albums for the iconic jazz label Prestige are classics of the era.
Chameleon was the eponymously titled 1979 album released through Elektra Records jazz-fusion arm after department head Don Mizell signed experienced multi-instrumentalist Azar Lawrence, in part due to his successful stint with Prestige Records in the mid-1970s.
After a career playing alongside the likes of Elvin Jones, McCoy Tyner, Miles Davis, Muddy Waters, Ike & Tina Turner, War and many more Lawrence was inspired by his friend Maurice White’s Earth, Wind & Fire project to put together a group that exemplified his chameleonic music sensibilities to the fullest.
CD has 2 bonus tracks include the 12″ Disco Versions of both ‘ We’ll Be Dancin ‘ and ‘ Get Up ‘.
Chameleon is an essential addition to any soul, jazz fusion, funk, and disco fan’s collection.
Get it here