Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer captivates audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Tizer has been proclaimed “an independent artist with all the right moves” and “a torchbearer for the new generation of contemporary jazz.” He is a “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee; a Yamaha-endorsed pianist and keyboardist; has appeared at many premier venues including Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco; and has graced the stage at events alongside artists including: Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Zappa Plays Zappa, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores, The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull, and Spyro Gyra. Tizer’s recordings have sold over 85,000 copies, charted and received acclaim in the industry’s most respected publications and his music can be heard on radio and television airwaves worldwide. His talents continue to evolve and command attention.
At the age of five, Tizer became enchanted by the sounds of a piano, originally purchased for his sister. After several years of tinkering, Tizer’s parents finally gave in to their son’s pleading for lessons and, at the age of nine, he began his formal training. The long-awaited lessons flourished as Tizer quickly exhibited his flair for composition and improvisation. “My parents always encouraged me to pursue my own creativity,” said Tizer, “I learned early on how to improvise and be musically adventurous.”
Lao began his career during his high school years in his hometown of Boulder, Colorado and self-produced and released his first three solo keyboard recordings by the age of seventeen.
In 1997, Tizer relocated to Los Angeles to further pursue his musical passion. His talents quickly attracted the attention of renowned contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, producer and 2008 Emmy Winner Chieli Minucci (Special EFX). Collaboration on a demo project ensued and within only a few months, Tizer was wowing audiences in the “City of Angels.” In 1998, with advice from Minucci, Tizer formed the Lao Tizer Band (Jeff Kollman – guitar; Andre Manga – bass, Drew Megna – drums, Steve Nieves – sax, percussion and vocals).
In 2001, Frat House Records released "Golden Soul", Tizer’s first full-production record featuring his group. "Golden Soul" allowed Tizer to reunite with musical mentor Minucci in recording the album and the result was spectacular. The single, “Her Poetry,” received accolades from all sectors of the industry and charted on both the Gavin Charts and Radio & Records’ reports and reached Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. The success of "Golden Soul" planted and nurtured the groundling effort of Tizer’s growing fan base and spurred the progression of his inspiring live concert experience.
In 2006, the Lao Tizer Band returned to the studio to record "Diversify", Tizer’s first release for Yse Records. Produced by long-time friend and guitarist Jeff Kollman, the musical themes of "Diversify" truly reflect its title. The album expounds upon Tizer’s broad artistic influences while staying firmly rooted in his benchmark style. The record features phenomenal piano performances from Tizer, supported by his handpicked group and features guest appearances by top-flight artists including: Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, D. Munyungo Jackson and Andy Suzuki. Both singles from the album charted on both Radio & Records Jazz Indicator and SmoothJazz.com charts. "Diversify" continues to appear on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart thanks to this airplay and Lao’s busy concert schedule.
In 2008, Tizer again broadened his horizons and assembled an all-star concert tour: Lao Tizer Band featuring the aforementioned Chieli Minucci and international violin virtuoso Karen Briggs (Yanni, Soul 2 Soul, Stanley Clarke, etc). In the fall, Lao returned to the studio to embark on a journey back to his roots with a more piano-oriented project called "Passages". 2008 also saw Lao make his Asian concert debut with shows in Seoul, South Korea. As we enter the new year, look for Lao to release his forthcoming album and continue his demanding tour schedule with his band, the all-star concert tour with Minucci and Briggs, and other configurations as he ventures further into the international marketplace.
Lao Tizer’s continuing growth as a composer is brightly refracted in the deep musical prism of his evolving artistry. Whether he is performing solo or in concert with his extraordinary band, the future promises spectacular accomplishments from this gifted young artist. A diverse path is promised for the novice listener and experience-seeking fan.
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