Tracks available at http://joshlawrencejazz.bandcamp.com.

The Jazz 3 are trumpeter Josh Lawrence, bassist Ken Pendergast and drummer Mike De Castro. The three came together on the Philadelphia music scene and were deeply influenced by the sounds of hard bop and soul jazz. After spending years defining their personal approaches -- Lawrence as an up-and-coming trumpeter on the New York jazz scene playing with artists from Charli Persip to Erykah Badu, Pendergast touring the world as musical director for Melody Gardot, and De Castro backing Eldar and Branford Marsalis -- the band released their debut EP (in partnership with Bandcamp.com) which explores the roots of American music while pushing into new and exciting territories.

The Josh Lawrence Jazz 3 spin the classic chord-less trio by layering Lawrence’s cool trumpet tone over the fiery rhythm section which swings and pulses with dancing syncopations. The EP’s single “Keki” (featured in the New York Times) takes this approach as the band twists and turns through grooving harmonies while humorously conversing with each other.

Their new full-length album “Roots” is due out July 12th 2010.
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