Sam Lazar
Sam Lazar (born 1933) was an American pianist and Hammond organist originally from St. Louis, Missouri.[1] A mysterious figure who disappeared from the music scen in the early 1960s[1][2] He is best known for fronting a group that included early work from guitarist Grant Green. His first LP on Argo Records approximates his birth year as 1933. Initially a pianist, Lazar played in Ernie Wilkins group before Wilkins left St. Louis to join Count Basie. This was followed by a stint in George Hudson's big band which also included Clark Terry and Jimmy Forrest at various times. After a tour with alto saxophonist Tab Smith, Lazar was in the army from 1951-1953. Upon discharge, he began studying medical technology.
In 1958, Lazar saw the Jimmy Smith trio at the Peacock Alley club in St. Louis and was inspired to play the Hammond organ and return to music. His St. Louis-based organ combo later included guitarists Grant Green, Joe Diorio, George Eskridge, drummer Chauncey Williams and saxophonist Miller Brisker among others. Not only did the group play a variety of gigs from strip clubs to jazz clubs, but they were reportedly one of the first interracial combos in the area.
Lazar recorded a single on Cawthron Records, and then went on to make several albums in the 1960s for the Chicago-based Argo Records. His first, Space Flight, was recorded in 1960 and added bassist Willie Dixon to his regular working combo featuring Williams and fellow St. Louis musician Grant Green.[3][4]
Discography
Singles:
- "Space Flight, Parts 1 and 2" (Cawthron 507, released c. 1959, with guitarist Grant Green)
- "Camp Meeting" / "I Ain't Mad At You" (Argo 5247, released 1962. Also issued as Checker single 1030).
Albums:
- Space Flight (Argo, 1960)
- Playback (Argo, 1962)
- Soul Merchant (Argo, 1962)
References
- 1 2 Owsley, Dennis. City of Gabriels: The History of Jazz in St. Louis, 1895-1973. St. Louis: Reedy Press, 2006. ISBN 1933370041. Google Books. Retrieved September 28, 2015.
- ↑ "The Sam Lazar discography." www.crownpeller.wordpress.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.
- ↑ Porter, Bob. (Liner notes) to Oleo. By Grant Green. Blue Note Records. LP. 1980.
- ↑ "Sam Lazar: Space Flight." www.artistdirect.com. Retrieved January 22, 2016.