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Piers Lawrence

Born in Manhattan, Piers is based in New York City where he records, performs and teaches guitar. He combines a soulful approach, precise technique, and a clean old-school tone with the upmost respect for the geniuses of Modern Jazz and a deep love of the Blues. After studying Guitar and Composition at the Conservatoire de Musique in Lausanne Switzerland, he returned to New York to join the Jazz-Mobile Orchestra Big Band and continue his studies with jazz guitarists Barry Galbraith and Ted Dunbar. With the encouragement of session guitarist Ritchie Resnikoff, he joined the orchestras of several Broadway shows including Guys and Dolls, Dancin', Hubie, and Your Arms Too Short to Box With God. Piers has worked as a session musician, recording 100s of jingles and record dates. He has toured and recorded with a diverse group of artists including Wilson Picket, The Main Ingredient, Ester Phillips, Phyilis Hyman, and Phil Collins and his original songs have been recorded by various artists. Check out "Stolen Moments" by the Piers Lawrence Quartet on JazzNet Media Records. The CD features well chosen standards and soulful original compositions; it is available directly from www.JazzNetMedia.com In addition, he also produces and hosts the radio show, "Manhattan Jazz" which airs everyday at 3:00 pm and 10:00 pm on internet station www.TribecaRadio.net

Gear

Gibson L-5, Fender Princeton Reverb


Tags

135
Album Review

Piers Lawrence Quartet: Stolen Moments

Read "Stolen Moments" reviewed by Michael P. Gladstone


For his introductory album, guitarist Piers Lawrence has chosen material from some jazz standards, originals and one tune from the Great American Songbook. His use of a piano/bass/drum accompaniment provides a relaxed and amiable session.

Born in New York City, Lawrence was raised in San Francisco, studying in Geneva, Switzerland before returning to New York to join the jazz scene, initially with the Jazz-Mobile Orchestra Big Band, while studying with guitarists Barry Galbraith and Ted Dunbar. Lawrence's diversified ...

231
Album Review

Piers Lawrence Quartet: Stolen Moments

Read "Stolen Moments" reviewed by C. Michael Bailey


William “Count" Basie was a master of economy in his piano playing. Never flashy or overtly technical, Basie had a knack for being able to play the least number of notes while still maintaining the necessary momentum to swing. Miles Davis was another such master, where the music was more about style than technique. Guitarist Piers Lawrence is also such a musical economist. His jazz guitar playing is paced and refined, each note carefully considered and placed with no interest ...

139
Album Review

Piers Lawrence Quartet: Stolen Moments

Read "Stolen Moments" reviewed by Elliott Simon


It's the overall creamy texture of the sound and the effortless vibe created by guitarist Piers Lawrence that makes Stolen Moments such an enjoyable listen. This is one together quartet whose mastery of group dynamics captures your attention right away with a short but effervescent rendering of Sonny Rollins' “Pent-Up House." Lawrence, who is a fluid and even-handed picker, flaunts some sprightly creative runs on Bird's “Donna Lee," has his sweet sound to the forefront on an up-tempo presentation of ...

203
Album Review

Piers Lawrence Quartet: Stolen Moments

Read "Stolen Moments" reviewed by Jerry D'Souza


Guitarist Piers Lawrence realizes his dream of recording a mainstream jazz album through a well-balanced mix of originals and standards. Lawrence is a confident player with an ear for melody and flowing harmonies. He has a graceful quality that gets into the songs whether he is out swinging or embracing bop.

Lawrence also comes off as a pretty skilled writer through his three contributions to the set. “Samba Christina is, naturally, a samba. The guitarist feeds the tune with thick ...

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97

Performance / Tour

The Piers Lawrence Quartet Live at Minton's

The Piers Lawrence Quartet Live at Minton's

Source: All About Jazz

The PIERS LAWRENCE QUARTET returns to legendary Minton's Playhouse Saturday, August 2nd @ 10pm, 11:30pm & 1am, $10.00-Door 208 West 118th Street between St. Nicholas Ave and Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (7th Ave) NYC 212-864-8346 for reservations We Love playing MINTONS because it's down the block from Chuk Fowler's elementary school. The folks are always very warm and the vibe is strong! See You There! Piers Lawrence-Guitar, Chuk Fowler-Piano, Jim Hankins-Bass, Sir Earl Grice-Drums ...

109

Performance / Tour

Piers Lawrence Quartet at the Kitano

Piers Lawrence Quartet at the Kitano

Source: All About Jazz

WHO: The Piers Lawrence Quartet

WHEN: Thursday night, July 3, 8 p.m. & 10 p.m.

WHERE: KITANO 66 Park Ave @ 38th St. NYC.

This is the 1st night of a long weekend so bring your super-sauve, fridgadaire, low-down groove on and explore our independence from the tyranny of the mundane... The KITANO is one of the most beautiful live music venues ...

02.24.10 | All About Jazz.com By Jerry D'Souza Guitarist Piers Lawrence realizes his dream of recording a mainstream jazz album through a well- balanced mix of originals and standards. Lawrence is a confident player with an ear for melody and flowing harmonies. He has a graceful quality that gets into the songs whether he is out swinging or embracing bop. Lawrence also comes off as a skilled writer through his three contributions to the set. Samba Christina is, naturally, a samba. The guitarist feeds the tune with thick notes, deliberately letting open air in and then snapping on the notes to give them a solid depth

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Primary Instrument

Guitar

Location

San Diego

Willing to teach

Advanced only

Credentials/Background

All Styles & All Levels WELCOME! Get Help in Choosing the right Guitar to get started, in setting up your instrument, and in learning any song! I'm a Conservatory Graduate and pro guitarist based here in NYC... I have reasonable rates and a flexible schedule. Please visit my site for complete bio and credits. www.PiersLawrence.com Let's work together to take your playing to the next level! Welcome to the Guitar Playing Family, Piers

Clinic/Workshop Information

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Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Stolen Moments

JazzNet Media
2010

buy

Stolen Moments

Jazznet.com
2008

buy

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