The Humanosity Project with Special Guest Terry Lawson

The Humanosity Project is an avant-garde and free-jazz improvisational quartet based in the Philadelphia and New York areas. Formed by guitarist Dave Ross and flugelhorn/clarinet player Matt Lavelle (alongside bassist Pete Dennis and drummer Julius Masri), the group is known for operating in the extreme, experimental regions of jazz. The quartet originally formed while playing under a tree by a river in Philadelphia. This eventually evolved into a collaborative ensemble that regularly performs at underground jazz venues, lofts, and experimental festivals (such as the AIRLFT Festival at The Rotunda in Philadelphia, IBeam in Brooklyn, and concerts in Baltimore and Connecticut). They focus on deep, spontaneous musical conversation and free improvisation, operating without rigid structures and exploring the limits of sonic expression.

For this special occasion, Humanosity is joined by Philadelphia saxophone legend Terry Lawson. Terry has long been on the front line of music, originally playing in the band of the great drummer Roy Haynes and headlining at the Apollo. Terry's tenor saxophone has been heard in the Sun Ra Arkestra, The Odean Pope Saxophone Choir, The Sonic Liberation Front, and Airlift.

Matt Lavelle studied with Ornette Coleman and has played in the bands of William Hooker, William Parker, Bern Nix, Sabir Mateen, and Giuseppi Logan. Matt's sound is textural, expressive, and vocal. Dave Ross has played with Ras Moshe, Henry Grimes, Marshall Allen, William Parker, and in a duo with J.D. Parran. Dave's approach balances abstract sonic textures with jazz-fusion-blues momentum. At this show, urgent swing and deep human expression will be paramount.