Sam Lazar

Sam Lazar ( * ca 1933 in St. Louis, Missouri ) was an American jazz pianist, who emerged as the soul-jazz organist from 1958.

Life and work

Lazar began his career in St. Louis, first as a pianist at Ernie Wilkins, before he briefly played with Count Basie. He then worked in George Hudson's big band and Tab Smith. From 1951 to 1953 he did his military service. After his release, he began training as an MTA. Under the impression of a concert by Jimmy Smith and the Trio in Peacock Alley Club in St. Louis in 1958, he moved to Hammond organ and returned to the music scene. Lazar worked in St. Louis with an organ combo, the musicians like Grant Green, Joe Diorio and drummer Phillip Wilson belonged. In 1960 a first album for Argo ( Space Flight ), which was also the bassist Willie Dixon participated. From 1964, the traces of Lazar lose.

Disco Graphical Notes

• Space Flight ( Cawthron, 1960)
• Playback ( 1962)
• Soul Merchant ( 1962)