by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
WHAT: Lao Tizer at Jacksonville Jazz Festival
WHERE: Metropolitan Park
WHEN: Friday, May 13th at 7 PM
When I called Lao Tizer at his home in Los Angeles, the first thing we talked about was how much we both hate the label “smooth” jazz. However, we also agreed that if it gets him airplay on the so called “smooth” jazz radio stations, then it’s a good thing. At 28, Lao started playing piano at 5 years old and professionally at 14 years old. So, one could say he’s veteran of the music wars. As a respected composer and performer, Lao is on the brink of becoming a household name in the jazz genre. Lao just released his fifth album titled Diversify.
“I prefer the term contemporary jazz artist to ‘smooth’ jazz, but it’s just a radio thing. I’m also played on Sirius satellite radio, which is a viable market for me. I’m still touring over 200 dates a year while trying to write and record in between, which is always a struggle.”
“My record titled Golden Seal, which was released in 2001, charted on both the Gavin Top 50 Smooth Jazz Charts and Radio and Records’ Smooth Jazz reports–and it reached Billboard’s Top 50 Contemporary Jazz Album chart. The success of Seal laid the groundwork for my nationwide fan base and live touring schedule. Now, with my new album Diversify, I’m excited by the possibilities that exist.”
“In this genre, I can write a variety of songs, from melodic piano compositions to up-tempo pieces. It gives me freedom of expression to experiment and come up with new ideas. I feel like I’m crossing over into name recognition along with other contemporary artists like Boney James and The Rippingtons. As I travel from place to place, people know my name and come to my concerts, which is very gratifying.”
“When I moved to L.A. in 1997, I hooked up with guitarist, composer, and producer Chieli Minucci (Special EFX), who became my producer and collaborator. Then in 1998, I formed my own band. Originally, I had pictured myself as a solo performer and composer, but Minucci encouraged me to start a band, which offered a whole new set of challenges. It turned out to be a good move because shortly afterwards I was nominated as the Best New Artist of The Year and the National Smooth Jazz Awards, which was quite an honor.”
“On this new record Diversify, I have a cadre of guest artists including Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, D. Munyungo Jackson, and Andy Suzuki. The first single from Diversify was released on NPR January of this year, with the album release shortly thereafter. Since then, the album has done very well in the marketplace and is receiving plenty of radio air play in a variety of markets. I’m excited about playing the Jacksonville Jazz Festival right before George Benson and Al Jarreau,” Lao said.
It turned out that Lao was easy to talk with and we hit it off. He’s not one of those jazzers who suffers from frequent fits of ego. He’s a regular guy who loves what he does for a living. In that way, we are alike. I’m looking forward to covering Lao’s live act at Metro Park on Friday, April 13th at 7:00 pm.
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