'Elementals' is an intensely powerful and swinging recording from saxophonist and composer Azar Lawrence.

It will come as no surprise to fans of Azar Lawrence that his life's work is to bridge the gap between his listeners and the Elementals (the spiritual essences of the four elements earth, air, fire and water). For over four decades he has unstintingly explored music as a healing force, and the mystical connections between past and future, myth and fact, the physical world and that which is beyond. Lawrence hopes that in a holistic sense, 'Elementals' encourages a spiritual awakening.

"All of this music is healing music; that's our whole concept is to heal and uplift," he explains. "If it's delivered and received on the right level, it will raise our own vibrations and bring us in touch with those higher spirits that respond when the music is pure with love and joy."

Personnel: Azar Lawrence (soprano & tenor saxophones), Benito Gonzales (keyboards), Jeff Littleton (bass), Marvin "Smitty" Smith (drums), Munyungo Jackson (percussion) with Oren Waters, John Barnes, Greg Poree, Mayuto Correa & Joe Blocke