Hugh Lawson (jazz pianist)

Hugh Lawson (March 12, 1935 – March 11, 1997), was an American jazz pianist from Detroit who worked with Yusef Lateef for more than 10 years.[1]

Inspired by Bud Powell, Hampton Hawes and Bill Evans, Lawson first gained recognition for his work with Lateef from 1957 onwards. He recorded with Harry "Sweets" Edison (1962), Roy Brooks, and Lateef again on several occasions in the 1960s. In 1972, he performed with "The Piano Choir" (Strata-East), a group with seven pianists including Stanley Cowell and Harold Mabern. He went on to tour with Charles Mingus in 1975 and 1977 and made recordings with Charlie Rouse (1977), George Adams, and as a leader.

Lawson died of colon cancer in White Plains, NY, March 11, 1997, at the age of 61.

Discography

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As leader/co-leader

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Year recorded Title Label Notes
1972 Handscapes Strata-East With The Piano Choir; in concert[2][3]
1974 Handscapes 2 Strata-East With The Piano Choir[4]
1977 Prime Time Jazzcraft/Storyville Trio, with Bob Cranshaw (bass), Ben Riley (drums)[5]
1983 Colour Soul Note Trio, with Calvin Hill (bass), Louis Hayes (drums)[6]
1989? Casablanca Somethin' Else Trio

As sideman

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With George Adams

With Jimmy Forrest

With Yusef Lateef

With others

References

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  1. ^ https://www.allmusic.com/artist/p9000
  2. ^ Garland, P., Ebony magazine review, June 1973
  3. ^ Nastos, Michael G.. Handscapes – Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  4. ^ Nastos, Michael G.. Handscapes 2 – Review at AllMusic. Retrieved January 20, 2015.
  5. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Hugh Lawson: Prime Time". AllMusic. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  6. ^ Yanow, Scott. "Hugh Lawson: Colour". AllMusic. Retrieved January 31, 2020.