 Nearly
five years have gone by since Lao Tizer’s last
smash CD, Golden Soul was released. So
what has this young, hip and incredibly talented pianist
been doing? Well, in addition to keeping his name out
there with shows mostly in California and the Midwest, Lao
has been writing…and writing…and writing. After
a long wait, Lao is now releasing his latest, titled Diversify,
which includes 14 original tracks. What is exciting
about this new CD is that Lao has taken a different approach
and substituted the electric keyboards for the grand piano,
creating a sound that is pure and fresh. And the title
captures the feel of this CD, which combines different ebbs
and flows. Joining Lao on this project is his regular
band: Jeff Kollman (guitar), Christopher Maloney (bass);
Drew Megna (drums), and Steve Nieves (sax, percussion and
vocals), along with guest artists Andy Suzuki (sax), Chieli
Minucci (guitar), Roberto Vally (bass) and Karen Briggs (violin).
The CD opens with the kickin’ tune, “A Night
in the City.” Between piano and sax, the song
rocks and is so incredibly infectious. Both instruments
play side-by-side, and lead you through a great melody throughout
the song. The first released single “Uptown,” is
up next. Again, this is a tune that will forever be
stuck in your head. It’s funky and fun. The
piano and sax, provided by Andy Suzuki, again blend to give
a great groove that will get you up and dancing! The
title track, “Diversify,” is a very unique song. The
piano/sax groove is heavy and tight, and when the violin
kicks in, look out! It’s unexpected. Steve
Nieves provides some terrific background vocals that mirror
the melody. “Flow” does just that. With
Chieli Minucci on guitar, the melody flows wonderfully between
his instrument and Lao’s piano. Again, another
upbeat and catchy tune.
For a much slower and serene pace, check
out “A Hui
Hou (Til We Meet Again)” featuring pure piano and understated
acoustic guitar provided again by Chieli. The gentle
vocals by Steve Nieves adds depth and character to this song. “Olivas
Adobe” starts out slowly and build to a marvelous melodic
battle with the piano and violin leading the way. The pace picks up about
midway through and carries you into a great Latin-flavored guitar solo. Next
up, funky, groovalicious “Summer Dayz.” The piano is heavy
and the sax lines follow note for note, as do the vocals. This is fast
becoming a favorite of mine. Next up is “Autumn Sky,” which
is exactly the picture painted with Lao’s hands on those ivories. A
crisp but gentle mood is created letting the listener drift away. For
nothing but piano, check out, “Improvisation.” This song
showcases the pure talent and creativity of Lao Tizer. Lao takes the
tempo to all ranges and puts his soul into this piece. Or
tune into “November,” which slows the pace down to a serene, introspective,
all-piano tune. For piano lovers, this is perfection and joy!
For a complete change of pace, grab onto “Up A Notch.” It’s
another kickin’ track with a fun spirit. The
sax is funky and playful. I can easily see this as
a radio tune. “Namaste” features
Andy Suzuki on flute and is a spiritual adventure. “Namaste” translates
into “I bow to you” which is totally appropriate
considering the give and take between instruments on this
piece, and for guitar enthusiasts, you will love the solo
that totally rocks! “Rapture” encompasses
great guitar licks, a groovy muted cornet and catchy piano. It’s
the kind of song to just kick back and absorb. Closing
out the CD is a ballad entitled “Ella’s First
Light,” written for Jeff Kollman’s ten-month-old
daughter. It is pure beauty.
There is a lot of music to absorb on this CD, and it exactly
what smooth jazz fans have been looking for. A grouping
of fresh new music bursting with creativity, emotion and
surprises. Lao’s change of pace from keyboard
to piano is just beautiful and truly shows the world his
creativity. Diversify is
a must add to everyone’s collection.
- Bonnie Schendell
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