The prolific pianist continued to add to his accolades with his shining recordings Kickin' It (2001), Philly Style (2003), Flipside (2005), He Had A Hat (2007, Grammy nominated) and Heard That (2008), Now Is The Time (2010, Grammy nominated), Galaxy (2012, Grammy nominated) Hacienda (2013, Grammy nominated) and Step It Up (2015).
During this time Lorber also stayed busy producing for the likes of Michael Franks, Richard Elliot, Gerald Albright and Rick Braun, among others. In the 90s Lorber released a successful string of projects including West Side Stories (1994), State of Grace (1996) and Midnight (1998). He first Grammy nomination in 1986 for his radio hit "Pacific Coast Highway" from his album Step By Step. In 1982 Lorber made his solo debut with It's A Fact. The ensemble quickly gained traction and became one of the most popular jazz acts, touring nonstop. Their 1980 album Wizard Island made the introduction of a then little known Kenny G. In 1977 Jeff Lorber Fusion released their self-titled debut. And the Dick Clark show originally came from there." "There were a lot of home grown record labels like Cameo Parkway and Philadelphia International (Gamble and Huff) not to mention tons of home grown talent. "Some of these icons that come to mind are Bill Evans, Thelonious Monk, McCoy Tyner and Bud Powell." He adds, "I also can't forget all of the pianists who played with Miles Davis such as Red Garland, Wynton Kelly, Tommy Flanagan and Horace Silver." Growing up in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania offered great inspiration for Jeff Lorber. "Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea have been major influences but I had to go back and try to figure out who they listened to and were inspired by," says Lorber. A true clinician, Lorber has made it a point to study the long line of modern jazz pianists since 1945. Not to mention the fantastic music being made in R&B and pop music like Earth Wind and Fire and Tower of Power." Lorber envisioned Jeff Lorber Fusion a second generation to these fusion bands that were more R&B and melody oriented. "There were also artists like Herbie Hancock, The Crusaders and Grover Washington, who pioneered a more melodic and funky type of sound. "I was listening to Miles Davis and Bitches Brew and the beginning of great fusion bands like Mahavishnu Orchestra, Weather Report and Return to Forever," reflects Lorber. Jeff Lorber's Fusion came to life in the 70s when the pianist attended Berklee College of Music. It's soulful and melodic and he is not afraid of taking the music outside a bit." Prototype also features special guests bassist Nathan East, guitarists Chuck Loeb, Larry Koonse and Paul Jackson, Jr. Lorber states, "Andy's got a perfect approach. He really shines playing over the funky polyrhythmic grooves we record." The newest member to the all-star unit is saxophonist Andy Snitzer, who like Lorber (and the Brecker Brothers) hails from Cheltenham, PA.
He contributes a lot with his warm bass sound and on the road he is without a doubt one of the finest soloists out there on his instrument." Lorber adds, "Gary's very versatile, imaginative, super solid and gets a great sound. "From a production standpoint Jimmy adds a 'big picture' element. Prototype features longtime collaborators - bassist Jimmy Haslip (founding member of The Yellowjackets) and drummer Gary Novak.
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Lorber, a Berklee College of Music alum who formerly majored in Chemistry at Boston College, goes full throttle on Prototype, orchestrating like an alchemist in the lab and concocting a majestic elixir of jazz, soul, funk, pop, R&B and gospel. "I came up with the name Prototype because we are always trying to up our game and come up with new exciting music that could be a prototype or innovative harbinger for the future of our musical style," says the LA based pianist. Lorber's newest CD Prototype, is a sterling example of his expansive musical roots, masterfully crafted harmonic and melodic sophistication, irresistible finger-poppin' grooves and intricate rhythmic sense. A groundbreaking Fender Rhodes pioneer along with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Joe Sample and Bob James, Lorber has triumphed as one of the most innovative musical minds in contemporary jazz.
Trailblazing pianist, composer, producer and bandleader Jeff Lorber is a consummate artist who continues to push himself to new plateaus.
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