Contemporary jazz 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 was nominated “Best New Artist of the Year” at the National Smooth Jazz Awards and has appeared at the nation’s premier musical events alongside artists including:  Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Wayne Shorter, The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull, and Spyro Gyra. Tizer’s recordings have sold over 70,000 copies, charted and received acclaim in the industry’s most respected publications and his music can be heard on radio and television airwaves across the country.  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.”

This musical exploration became reality with the release of As the Eagle Soars, the first of his three self-produced solo keyboard and piano albums.  Layered with beautiful, simple melodies, the album illustrates Tizer’s innate proclivity for appealing production values.  A year later, Tizer released Arabian Dusk, a seminal fusion of his classical technique and raw feel for new age sensitivity.  Tizer produced and released Praeludium at the age of 17.  Praeludium contrasted with his previous work by creating a freer, unencumbered burst of creativity while still capturing his personal style.

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 and producer 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.

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 Top 50 Smooth Jazz Chart and Radio & Records’ Smooth Jazz reports and reached Billboard’s Top 50 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 group’s inspiring and moving live concert experience.

In 2006, the Lao Tizer Band returned to the studio to record Diversify, Tizer’s new release on 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.  “Uptown,” the first single from Diversify, will be released to national radio - terrestrial, satellite and web - in January 2007, with the album release shortly thereafter.

Lao Tizer’s continuing growth as a composer is brightly refracted in the deep musical prism of his new release.  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.