Josh Lawrence

Josh Lawrence, a trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, has earned critical acclaim and is acknowledged as a "preeminent voice among young composers" (Downbeat 2017). Throughout his musical career, marked by numerous accolades and prestigious commissions, Lawrence has made significant contributions to the jazz continuum.

His artistic journey is illuminated by awards from institutions such as the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage, American Composers Forum, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chamber Music America, Come Hear North Carolina, and Festival of New Trumpet Music.

As a trumpeter, Lawrence has recorded five solo albums with Posi-Tone Records, and co-led two albums with the Fresh Cut Orchestra on Ropeadope Records. He has received three Grammy Award nominations, two for his collaborations with pianist Orrin Evans' Captain Black Big Band and Smoke Sessions Records and one for his work on bassist Adam Blackstone's album "Legacy (The Instrumental Jawn)." Lawrence's musical versatility is evident in his contributions to recordings by renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Boyz II Men, Caleb Curtis, Matt Davis’ Aerial Photograph, Lizanne Knott, Brian Marsella's Imaginarium, Jonathan Michel, Peter Nelson, New Faces, Jazmine Sullivan, Laurin Talese, and Tarbaby.

A lifelong learner, Lawrence studied under the tutelage of legendary pianist Barry Harris and holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and a Master's degree from the Juilliard School in New York. In 2021, he assumed the role of Director of Jazz Studies at Interlochen Center for the Arts, leading both the Arts Academy and Summer Camp programs and conducting the Interlochen Jazz Orchestra.

Looking ahead, Lawrence has exciting news. His highly anticipated sixth album, "Measured Response," with Posi-Tone Records, is set to be released in May 2024. Additionally, there has been a significant change in Lawrence's professional journey. He has transitioned from his role at Interlochen and is now the Manager of Jazz Education Programs with Ensemble Arts Philly, the new presenting brand of the Philadelphia Orchestra. In this new capacity, Lawrence continues to contribute to the vibrant jazz education landscape, further solidifying his position as a leading figure in modern music.