Tenor saxophonist Lawrence Clark has entrenched himself within New York’s restive jazz scene for over two decades. Driven by steadfast persistence and passion, he embarks on a journey into the spiritual realm of music. Inspired by the John Coltrane Quartet, the Miles Davis quintet, and a 10-year apprenticeship in the Rashied Ali Quintet, Clark strives to reach new artistic horizons.
BIOGRAPHY
Lawrence Clark is a New York City–based tenor saxophonist whose music is rooted in the spiritual lineage of modern jazz. Driven by persistence, passion, and a deep commitment to expressive truth, Clark approaches music as a vehicle for exploration, transformation, and emotional resonance. Drawing inspiration from the John Coltrane Quartet and the Miles Davis Quintet, his sound reflects both reverence for tradition and a fearless push toward new horizons. A decade-long apprenticeship in the Rashied Ali Quintet profoundly shaped his artistic voice, grounding his playing in rhythmic freedom, harmonic depth, and collective improvisation.
Originally from Camden, New Jersey, Clark discovered music at an early age despite coming from a non-musical family. He began on alto and baritone saxophone, performing in concert bands and jazz ensembles throughout middle and high school. During his senior year, he earned a scholarship for private study at the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia. He later received a partial scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where he shifted his primary focus to tenor saxophone and studied with Fred Lipsius, Andy McGhee, and Billy Pierce. Immersed in Boston’s vibrant jazz scene, Clark developed his musicianship through frequent performances before relocating to New York City to further refine his artistic vision.
Clark has performed with an extensive list of respected artists including Rashied Ali, Winard Harper, Jeremy Pelt, Ralph Peterson, David Weiss, Josh Evans, Leo Genovese, Juini Booth, E.J. Strickland, Victor Gould, Wallace Roney Jr., Reggie Workman, Azar Lawrence, and many others. His international performance career spans Europe, Asia, and Africa, appearing at renowned venues and festivals such as Jazz Club Unterfahrt (DE), Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (CH), Jimmy Glass (ES), Jazz Club 6000 (DK), Bluenote Beijing (CN), and numerous others.
A recipient of the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant (2020), a CMA New Jazz Works Grant panelist (2023), and a member of the 2025 Jazz Think Tank: Building Music, Community & Social Change, Clark remains actively engaged in shaping the future of creative music. He currently leads his own quintet—tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, and drums—developing original harmonic and rhythmic concepts that emphasize collective energy and forward motion. His debut album, Forward Motion, represents the core vision of the ensemble.
Above all, Lawrence Clark strives for sincerity and emotional clarity in his music, using creativity as a means to connect deeply with listeners and convey purpose, intent, and truth.
LAWRENCE CLARK
Tenor Saxophonist • Composer • Bandleader
New York City
ARTIST BIO
Lawrence Clark is a New York City–based tenor saxophonist whose music is rooted in the spiritual and exploratory lineage of modern jazz. Influenced by the John Coltrane Quartet and the Miles Davis Quintet, Clark’s sound balances deep tradition with a fearless drive toward new creative territory. His playing is marked by rhythmic freedom, harmonic depth, and an emphasis on collective improvisation.
A decade-long apprenticeship in the Rashied Ali Quintet was central to Clark’s artistic development, shaping his musical philosophy and approach to ensemble interplay. Originally from Camden, New Jersey, Clark studied at Berklee College of Music, where he transitioned to tenor saxophone and studied with Fred Lipsius, Andy McGhee, and Billy Pierce. Immersed in Boston’s jazz scene, he refined his voice through constant performance before relocating to New York City.
Clark has performed internationally throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa, appearing at renowned venues and festivals including Jazz Club Unterfahrt (Germany), Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (Switzerland), Jimmy Glass (Spain), Jazz Club 6000 (Denmark), and Blue Note Beijing (China).
BAND / PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Lawrence Clark Quintet features tenor saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass, and drums. The ensemble focuses on original compositions that emphasize forward motion, dynamic group interaction, and open forms. The music draws from post-bop, modal jazz, and free improvisation, creating a sound that is both grounded and exploratory.
Clark’s debut album, Forward Motion, documents the core vision of the quintet—music driven by collective energy, clarity of intent, and emotional honesty.
ARTISTIC STATEMENT
At the core of Lawrence Clark’s music is a commitment to sincerity and expressive truth. He views improvisation as a means of discovery—an opportunity to engage deeply with sound, musicians, and listeners in real time. His work seeks emotional clarity, spiritual resonance, and a sense of purpose, using creativity as a way to connect, communicate, and transform.
SELECTED PERFORMANCE & COLLABORATIONS
Rashied Ali
Winard Harper
Jeremy Pelt
Ralph Peterson
David Weiss
Josh Evans
Leo Genovese
Juini Booth
E.J. Strickland
Victor Gould
Wallace Roney Jr.
Reggie Workman
Azar Lawrence
SELECTED VENUES & FESTIVALS
Jazz Club Unterfahrt (DE)
Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (CH)
Jimmy Glass (ES)
Jazz Club 6000 (DK)
Blue Note Beijing (CN)
performances across Europe, Asia, and Africa
AWARDS & HONORS
Chamber Music America – New Jazz Works Grant Recipient (2020)
CMA New Jazz Works Grant Panelist (2023)
CMA Jazz Think Tank: Building Music, Community & Social Change (2025)
DISCOGRAPHY
Forward Motion, Inner-Visions
TECHNICAL RIDER (SUMMARY)
5-piece ensemble
Standard jazz backline (piano/keyboard, bass amp, drum kit)
1 tenor saxophone microphone
1 trumpet microphone
PA system suitable for venue size
(Full technical rider available upon request)
CONTACT
Artist: Lawrence Clark
Based in: New York City
Booking / Management: kralcjazz@gmail.com