ARTIST: Lao Tizer
TITLE: Diversify
LABEL: Yse Records
GENRE: Jazz
BITRATE: 206kbps avg
PLAYTIME: 1h 16min total
RELEASE DATE: 2006-00-00
RIP DATE: 2006-10-20
TRACK LIST
1. A Night In The City 5:04
2. Uptown 5:37
3. Diversify 6:10
4. Flow 4:57
5. A Hui Hou 6:05
6. Olivas Adobe 7:53
7. Summer Dayz 4:36
8. Autumn Sky 4:22
9. Improvisation 4:11
10.Up A Notch 4:40
11.Namaste 7:44
12.November 4:49
13.Rapture 5:16
14.Ella's First Light 5:34
RELEASE NOTES
early five years have gone by since Lao TizerÆs 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 writingàand writingàand 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 kickinÆ tune, ôA Night in the City.ö 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 ôUptown,ö is up next. Again, this is a tune that will
forever be stuck in your head. ItÆs 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, ôDiversify,ö is a very unique song. The piano/sax
groove is heavy and tight, and when the violin kicks in, look out! ItÆs
unexpected. Steve Nieves provides some terrific background vocals that mirror
the melody. ôFlowö does just that. With Chieli Minucci on guitar, the melody
flows wonderfully between his instrument and LaoÆs piano. Again, another upbeat
and catchy tune.
For a much slower and serene pace, check out ôA Hui Hou (Til We Meet Again)ö
featuring pure piano and understated acoustic guitar provided again by Chieli.
The gentle vocals by Steve Nieves adds depth and character to this song. ôOlivas
Adobeö 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
ôSummer Dayz.ö 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 ôAutumn Sky,ö
which is exactly the picture painted with LaoÆs hands on those ivories. A crisp
but gentle mood is created letting the listener drift away. For nothing but
piano, check out, ôImprovisation.ö 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 ôNovember,ö 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 ôUp A Notch.ö ItÆs another kickinÆ
track with a fun spirit. The sax is funky and playful. I can easily see this
as a radio tune. ôNamasteö features Andy Suzuki on flute and is a spiritual
adventure. ôNamasteö translates into ôI bow to youö 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! ôRaptureö
encompasses great guitar licks, a groovy muted cornet and catchy piano. ItÆs
the kind of song to just kick back and absorb. Closing out the CD is a ballad
entitled ôEllaÆs First Light,ö written for Jeff KollmanÆs 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. LaoÆs change of pace from keyboard to piano
is just beautiful and truly shows the world his creativity. Diversify is a must
add to