In the Spotlight with Jeff Lorber

Denon presents an interview with Jeff Lorber, Jazz composer, pianist, and keyboardist of the Jeff Lorber Fusion.

At the age of 4, Jeff already began playing the piano, setting him on his path at a very early age. By the time he was a teenage, he had already played with several local R&B bands, but always felt an inkling towards jazz, especially when he studied at Berklee College of Music. After college, he formed the Jeff Lorber Fusion, which became one of the most popular acts in the jazz fusion scene. Over the years, during the 80s and 90s, he would also have a solo career, as well as do session work with, and produce for, other artists.

More than 3 decades on, in June 1, 2010, Jeff Lorber, through Heads Up International, released his new recording, “Now Is The Time”, an album that delves back into his early catalog and reinvents some of the most compelling compositions from the Jeff Lorber Fusion hayday. The new incarnation of the Jeff Lorber Fusion features luminaries like bassist Jimmy Haslip, saxophonist Eric Marienthal, trumpeter Randy Brecker, guitarist Paul Jackson Jr., and drummers Vinnie Colaiuta and Dave Weckl. In his words, Jeff Lorber describes the record as “…a clear statement… represents a real musical shift towards something a little jazzier, and a little more exciting.”

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a jazz composer and piano player. Grew up in Philadelphia and live in Los Angeles.

When did you first decide to become a musician, what inspired you?

It was sort of a gradual evolution that was mostly inspired by the formation of “the Jeff Lorber Fusion,” in 1975 in Portland, OR, and my subsequent recording career. I’ve always loved music, grew up in a musical family and I guess i took advantage of some opportunities that came my way in the form of making a demo tape at a local recording studio and also starting a band playing original music.

When did you first fall in love with music?

My mother was an accomplished pianist and I used to listen to her play every night when i was falling asleep. I guess I became really involved in music in high school, which was in the late ’60’s, obviously a great time
for music in general, there were so many compelling bands and artists around then.

Describe your perfect listening experience?

I had a little Denon cassette and AM/FM radio unit for many years.. It was great. My perfect listening experience, I guess listening to a great track on the speakers in my recording studio.

Who are your favorite artists today?

Honestly I don’t listen to tons of current music, I really like some older stuff more than what is being played today, however I really like Keith Jarrett, and Herbie Hancock.

What are your favorite 5-10 songs that we would find on your music play list?

1. All in a day – Paul Butterfield Blues Band
2. Back in Black – ACDC
3. Person to person – average white band
4. Nocturnal sunshine – Me’Shell Ndgeocello
5. Drive – the Cars
6. A warm summer night – CHIC
7. Night Streets – Chick Corea
8. Blue in Green – Bill Evans
9. Nautilus – Bob James

What do you think the future of music holds in store for us?

I’m sure it will involve some crazy technology that’s hard to predict. Hopefully people will still like good grooves, melodies and chord changes.

Be sure to check out Jeff Lorber’s new CD, “Now Is The Time”, through Heads Up Records on Amazon.

Learn more of Jeff Lorber on MySpace, and his website, too!