The eighth release for the Posi-Tone label, trumpeter Josh Lawrence leads an all-star sextet on Philly Twisted, a musical tribute to the city of Philadelphia and to legendary figures such as John Coltrane, Benny Golson, Lee Morgan and Cecil B.
The session alternates Lawrence’s own compositions with pieces by Thelonious Monk, Hank Mobley and Horace Silver. Recorded with musicians who have been part of his musical circle for some time, notably saxophonist Willie Morris and pianist Art Hirahara, Lawrence also brings trombonist Altin Sencalar into the fold, a name whose reputation is rapidly gaining ground among today’s leading practitioners of the slide.
Beyond the sheer majesty of the performances, the sextet develops a subtle, nuanced approach to ensemble orchestration, playing constantly with timbre and with the full tonal spectrum of the horns.
Lawrence’s years of study with pianist Barry Harris, together with his experience in Orrin Evans’ Captain Black Big Band, are clearly reflected in both the alchemy of his compositions and the discipline of his arrangements. The precise placement of the brass choruses approaches the kind of sectional discipline associated with larger ensembles. The rhythm trio is equally involved: far more than simply providing support and propulsion, it contributes to the overall harmonic architecture through pulsations that are themselves deeply melodic.
The partnership between Hirahara and Kozlov is a particularly fine example of complementary playing, adding an atmosphere that elevates the sextet into something approaching a medium-sized ensemble. This is perhaps precisely what the leader has in mind, positioning his band somewhere between the traditional quintet and the big band.
There is another kind of oscillation here, too: between what might initially sound like an uncomplicated musical statement and compositions that are carefully shaped and meticulously worked through. The horn players’ choruses keep this tension alive from one track to the next, while there is no need to labour the point about their extraordinary virtuosity, which never comes at the expense of genuine elegance.
A fine tribute indeed, Mr. Lawrence.
Line Up:
Josh Lawrence – trumpet
Willie Morris – tenor saxophone
Altin Sencalar – trombone
Art Hirahara – piano, Fender Rhodes (7)
Boris Kozlov – double bass
Rudy Royston – drums
Philly Twisted is a Hit Couleurs Jazz, released by the label Posi-Tone Records, on September 19, 2026.
RECENT COMMENTS