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 this interview with Mike Graph.

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?

One of the reasons I think piano players enjoy my solo piano songs is that are structured simply, and they are easy songs to play. Every one of my piano composition has a structure verse/chorus/bridge pattern to it. For me, it's all about the melody. The melodies are incredibly memorable and instantly recognizable. And when arranging a piano composition, the melody has to be the main thing. You can deviate a little, and you can take some creative liberties, but the substance of the arrangement... it really needs to hang on that melody.

Why do you write for solo piano?

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 grand 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.

... and your... faith?

Everything I do in piano music is an expression of my faith. I believe that God has given me some gifts; music yes, but also the gift of communication, the gift of creativity. And since I believe God designed me specifically to do these things, I feel like these things are a part of my purpose. And so in applying myself to this purpose in doing the very thing that I know God designed me to do it brings me joy and love. And it's that joy that keeps me going.
And being content in in all situations, bad and good, is not an easy thing to do, working through the difficult stuff of life and my decision to pro-actively re-wire my mind for positivity and purpose.
But the longer I live, and the more of my life that I have lived, the more I look back and see how God used everything to bring me to where I am now, and so that strengthens my faith. And seeing that also gives me the strength to keep on going.
Each day that we have is a gift from God.

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