Lao Tizer

May 12, 2009
by
1 min read
Folio Weekly

by rick grant
At only 30, pianist Lao Tizer is a renowned international contemporary jazz keyboardist who is a pathfinder for the next generation of artists. He’s was a Best New Jazz Artist nominee for the National Smooth Jazz Awards and has earned the respect of his peers as a composer and performer with an eclectic style.
To find out more about this interesting musician, I called Lao to find out what we can expect from him when he performs at the Jax Jazz Festival on Saturday.
Talking to Lao, it was difficult for me to believe he is only 30. But he got started early and has skyrocketed to jazz name recognition with his sizable talent. He’s an old soul in a young body.
As a child prodigy, Lao pleaded with his parents for piano lessons at age five and he advanced rapidly through the ranks of child stars. His urge to improvise on classical standards led him to become a jazz artist at a young age, writing his own compositions.
Lao characterizes his music as “modern or contemporary jazz. If my music sells as a result of radio play on so-called ‘smooth jazz’ stations, then great. It’s just a marketing tag. I write and perform my music and let other people interpret it as they like, as long as they are listening I’m happy.”
Even in the midst of the economic crisis, work for Lao has been steady. “I’ve been very busy with my band and composing new material.”
Besides playing gigs, he’s also spent time cutting his newest record, Passages, which he’s very proud of because it mainly showcases his piano, although, says Lao, “on the title cut, Chieli (Minucci) comes in with a great solo on guitar, and Karen (Briggs) also contributes an awe-inspiring violin solo.”
The Jazz Fest performance will feature the full band, including Chieli and Karen. “I’m blessed to have Chieli and Karen touring with me,” Lao remarks. “They add so much classy artistry to the music.”
“I’m excited about coming back to the Jax Jazz Festival. The idea of a street festival is very European and hip. It allows people to stroll around and listen to different artists within walking distance. I’ve never played at the Landing, so it will be interesting.”
Lao is a fine gentleman and skilled musician who seems at ease in any situation. He’s humble and charming, which, along with his mega-chops on piano, will serve him well in the music biz. Catch him live on the Landing’s Breezing Stage on Saturday, May 23rd at 4 pm.

Folio is your guide to entertainment and culture around and near Jacksonville, Florida. We cover events, concerts, restaurants, theatre, sports, art, happenings, and all things about living and visiting Jax. Folio serves more than two million readers across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, including St. Augustine, The Beaches, and Fernandina.

Folio Weekly
Previous Story

Butterfly Festival comes off with flying colors

Folio Weekly
Next Story

Other Jacksonville Film Festival 2009 Events and Venues

Latest from Feature

Nancy Wilson: Still Rocking, Still Writing, Still Raising Hell

By Teresa Spencer In a world where music icons are too often frozen in amber, Nancy Wilson remains in motion writing, playing, evolving. And when you speak with her, it’s clear the Hall of Famer hasn’t just survived rock and roll. She’s still breathing fire into it. At

Florida Theatre Ball: All that and a bag of chips

Words by Kerry Speckman The Florida Theatre held its signature fundraising gala last month, and can I just say what a ball it was. Held at the historic Downtown theater, the event was a ’90s-themed party with hundreds of guests donning their splashiest track suits, loudest graphic tees

Loud, Fast and Lifted: Lifted Riffs 

Words by Carmen Macri  “It wasn’t always the dream, you know, I didn’t always want to be a punk or a rockstar, it’s just something that kind of happened through life.”  Jacksonville’s music scene might seem like a thing of the past — if you’re not paying attention.

Are We Losing the 24-Hour City?

Words by Kaili Cochran When COVID hit, everything changed. It felt like the world shut down. Businesses ran on limited hours and most people started working remotely. But even five years after the pandemic ended, some changes haven’t gone away.  One of the most significant shifts is the

Nightlife Tech

Words by Kaili Cochran What does it mean to go out when the dance floor might be virtual, the music silent and your wristband reflects your mood in real time? Nightlife is constantly evolving and so are the ways we socialize and spend our time. Earlier this year
July 5th Cleanup
GoUp

Don't Miss

The Avett Brothers

November 15 The Avett Brothers St. Augustine Amphitheatre (904) 471-1965

Paula Poundstone

Paula Poundstone “Twitter is the postcards in my head.” It’s