Born: May 15, 1953 Primary Instrument: Piano
The Geoff Lapp Trio has been a cornerstone of the Montreal jazz scene since 1999. Extended gigs at many of the town's premiere night spots have established the group as a hot draw for aficionados in search of that heady space where soulful and cerebral fuse. Drawing upon a wide palette of jazz moods, 'The Geoff Lapp Trio' delivers a sound that is tasteful, innovative, and infectiously swinging.
Geoff Lapp, a Montreal native, was born in 1953, and is considered one of Canada’s most accomplished pianists/composers; he is a much sought-after accompanist for a host of top Canadian performers.
Originally trained in the classical tradition, Mr. Lapp studied at McGill University under the widely respected Art Maiste. Over time, he became known for his excellent technique and large repertoire of jazz standards. After gaining experience in the pop music world touring with Quebec rock icon, Michel Pagliaro, he performed in salsa, country, funk and rock bands. In the early ‘80’s he became committed to the jazz idiom and has not looked back since then.
He has performed with renowned jazzmen such as Paquito d’Rivera, Don Menza, Richie Cole, Sonny Fortune, and Slide Hampton, among others. On one occasion, Liza Minnelli, in town for a concert appearance and finding herself at Biddles later that evening, liked the band so much that she spontaneously jammed with them at the landmark Montreal nightclub. (It should be noted that Geoff Lapp is one of the few Canadian jazz musicians with such an extensive club gig; length of which has contributed no doubt to his evolution as a player.) Lapp has performed extensively worldwide, in festivals and clubs both in North America and overseas.He also performs on a regular basis at the Montreal Jazz Festival with various ensembles.
At home in Quebec, he is a mainstay on the vibrant jazz scene, and has performed with a who’s who of local luminaries.
“...has much to offer the jazz world.” ejazznews.com John Gilbert 4 Stars
“...excellent CD“ Ken Dryden **** Stars allmusic.com
“...Melodic and swinging jazz piano from an underappreciated talent“ Salon.com
“…Lapp demonstrates an equally impressive array of talents as soloist, accompanist and composer…his…technique contains equal proportions of passion and lyricism” Cadence Jazz Journal, USA
“...considerable compositional skills…”The Jazz Report, Toronto
“…tasteful…swinging…check out Lapp” Cadence Jazz Journal,USA
“…confident and sensitive playing…”The Globe & Mail, Toronto
“…as Oliver Jones moves up in the jazz world, younger Montreal players take his place: Geoff Lapp, pianist…” Ottawa Citizen
“...a revelation: generously proportioned,understated, with moments of surprising audacity. The kind of jazz you didn’t think anyone was playing anymore.” Macleans Paul Wells Dec 18, 2006
“...lyrical pianist who swings like a barn door.”- The Montreal Gazette
“…take note of the growth of the annual jazz festival that has brought more widespread and well deserved recognition for talented jazz artists like Lapp…tasteful…swinging…check out Lapp” ” Cadence Jazz Journal, USA
“…biggest pleasures here provide by…Lapp…a wealth of ideas…his skill is obvious…” Montreal Gazette
2006 Stained Glass|Geoff Lapp Trio|Elephant Records
2006 Ad Infinitum |Francois Richard |Effendi Records
2005 A Montreal Jazz Christmas|Soundsgood Productions
2002 Live at the Queue |The Geoff Lapp Trio
2002 Soundtrack /Cd |The Whole Nine Yards |2 Tracks
1995 Papo Rose et Orchestre Pambiche
1995 Second Set |Janis Stephrans
1994 Jubilation V |Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir (Juno award winner) Justin Time Records
1993 New Morning | Janis Stephrans
1992 Jazz Words | Geri Brown |CBC Recordings
1990 Contrasts |Geoff Lapp Trio/ Johnny Scott
1987 Perspectives | With Bernie Primeau
1986 From Now On | Geoff Lapp Trio/ Johnny Scott
Recorded Montreal Jazz Festival 86 Theme Song
1975 Enterprise |CBC Recordings |Album Jane Fair
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Primary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
Montreal
Willing to teach:
Intermediate to advanced students
