Video of the Day: Simon Lasky shares ‘Closer to the Sky’ from new album For The Dreamers

Simon Lasky’s latest project features his recently formed U.S. Jazz Octet with three front line horns and vocals. There are special guest appearances by leading U.K. jazz artists, including Tim Garland and Paul Booth and, for the first time, Lasky’s arrangements appear alongside his original compositions.

The pianist explains his thinking behind his new album, For the Dreamers: “I think that, deep down, I always knew (hoped!) that I would spend some time in America one day; form a band there; do some concerts; and record an album. My only surprise is that it took me until my mid-forties to do it! I wanted to harness my love for many genres of American music, utilise local American musicians and compose music for that particularly confident way they have of playing. This is the resulting album!

“However, most of the compositions and arrangements on this record were penned during a very challenging time: I had some major health problems (which resulted in double jaw surgery), I lost my father, and - like so many of my colleagues during the global pandemic - there were times I doubted how, when and where we would make music again. Yet, throughout that time, music was there as a companion, a comfort, and a source of hope. When I was composing the music on this record, I was transported away from those challenging daily realities. Composing helps me dream! So, despite the challenging circumstances of its inception, the music on this record is unfailingly optimistic. It explores notions of heroism, flight, fancy and dreaming. And it's the 'American' record I always dreamed I would make!”

Lasky is known on both sides of the Atlantic for his expansive and melodic jazz compositions and arrangements which draw on his background as an improvising pianist and classically trained composer. Born in London, but now living in Central Florida, Simon’s composition ‘Close To Ecstasy’ won the 2018 Ivors Composer Award in the ‘Jazz Composition for Small Ensemble’ category. Upon receiving the award, BBC Radio 3 presenter Andrew McGregor described the winning composition as “a joyous exuberant piece, brilliantly crafted on all levels, and with great textural and melodic writing.” In 2019 Simon was awarded a Fellowship to complete his Masters in Jazz Studies at The University of South Florida, working as assistant to five time GRAMMY nominated jazz composer Chuck Owen.

The album gets its official UK launch at the 606 Club on 10 July with the full London based Octet For more info visit simonlasky.com