A superior tenor and soprano saxophonist (which he took up in 1970 and 1972 after a few years playing alto), Lawrence performed with Horace Tapscott in Los Angeles. He toured Europe with Clark Terry in 1970 and in 1973, joined Elvin Jones' band. After three months, Lawrence decided to switch to Tyner's group and he recorded several impressive albums (on Milestone) while a sideman with the great pianist. Azar Lawrence also recorded three albums as a leader for Prestige during 1974-1976.

After a sabbatical, Azar Lawrence is back with a vengeance and is playing with the energy that underlies the unpredictable and searching solos of John Coltrane.