Interview by Solo Piano artist James Lazzeroni
If you'd like to interview James for your website, blog, podcast or publication, just send an Interview Request to James at jameslazzeroni@gmail.com
In 2024, for new album Top Piano Hits by James Lazzeroni, James has released an interview.
James talks about his career and new album, the artists who have inspired him, and why he love New York.
Your new album Top Piano Hits, released in February 2024, is Billboard Top 5, #1 on the Amazon and iTunes on his genre, and Run Up for The Best Solo Piano Album 2024. Talks about it...
My new album contains my 5 top piano compositions determined based on total streams, spins, sales, and concert requests.
Available on Spotify, this new project celebrates the power of the piano, the greats who have played it, and the unexpected stories it has inspired me to tell. When I sit down at the piano, I instantly filled with unexpected ideas, fresh melodies, and the need to play.
Who are the artists who have inspired you?
I doubt the idea of writing for solo piano would have ever occurred to me were it not for being introduced to Jim Brickman's piano music.
James, how did the form and structure of original solo piano compositions influence the harmonies and structure of your arrangements?
Ultimately, it's because as a solo pianist, I have complete control over the output. I don't have to rely on anyone else to do their part. When I was young and in college, I played in a few pop bands. Nothing came of those years (aside from some great friendships!) but I did discover one of the problems of working with others to create music... there are lots of clashes of opinion and personality. Those clashes can result in some amazing music, but it's also very volatile. Musicians, you see, are generally very sensitive people. We're emotionally tied up in what we create musically. So during my "band years" I struggled with all those things. I didn't want to feel that my musical success was dependent on other people. So... that was when I first started composing for solo piano. I found the process much more peaceful. Less angst. And the only person I had to worry about playing a part perfectly was myself. And as a bonus... it's much easier (and less expensive) to record a quality solo piano album than it is to record an album featuring multiple personalities and instruments.
In regards to your albums, how do you decide the grouping of your songs?
Generally speaking, I am telling a story with the music... not only with the songs, but with the album as a whole. So the scope of the story I am telling over the course of the album will determine, to some degree, the order the songs appear in. Key signatures and the general feel of the songs affect the song order as well. All of those elements play a big part.
Where is your preferred location to write your music? Take a photograph? Or do you just imagine the location you are writing about?
It's all in my head and in my heart.
I compose the music on my own piano Kawai in my living room. However, I also arrange the songs in my head when I'm out and about and especially just before I go to sleep. I hear the tunes in my head and I work on them, and then I'll take new ideas to the piano the next day when I'm at a place where I can sit down at the piano.
Your love for New York is know; where does it come from?
Yes, I really love New York.
New York is dynamic, in constantly moving; all is possible in this city.
I was born romantic. What can be more romantic of Central Park in Autumn, for Christmas, or with snow?!
Interview by Mike Graph - Sunrise Magazine