Jay Lawrence

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Celebrated musician Jay Lawrence has enjoyed a diverse career as a performing and recording artist, composer, arranger, clinician, educator and adjudicator. He has been voted the “Best Drummer in Utah” and “Utah’s Favorite Jazz Drummer.” Versatile, creative and respected, Lawrence’s vast professional experience began when he joined the Musicians Union (AfofM) at age fifteen and was immediately in demand working as a percussionist for myriad celebrity shows in Reno, Lake Tahoe (and later Las Vegas), including Sammy Davis Jr., Lou Rawls, Della Reese, Liza Minelli, Cher, Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Loretta Lynn, Nancy Sinatra, Tom Jones, Ben E. King, Ann-Margret, Linda Ronstadt and many others.

He has presented popular clinics and has adjudicated at the Lionel Hampton, Gene Harris and Park City International Jazz Festivals, and others. Jay has authored texts, including Drum Set Core Curriculum, Introduction to Musical Improvisation and Rhythmic Reading Text. Jay has numerous sound track credits ranging from movies, trailers, television and jingles to theme parks and Broadway musicals.