”Lyddon combines hands with heart and mind. The sensibility here is one of enormous breadth, encompassing the unearthly beauty of Romantic and Impressionistic Imaginations, the classic American song form, and the harmonic innovations of the post-bop era. “ Larry Nai (ejazznews)
“Tim plays with extraordinary drive, impressive chops, good definition and a spirit which spreads nicely.” Cadence Jazz Records
At the age of 9, Tim began studying the piano and listening to jazz. He learned to play the blues . Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum and Bud Powell were early influences which helped to cultivate a natural swing feel. At 16, Tim was a teachers' aide in a local jazz improv class and performed in award winning combos and big bands. A few years later he began studies with pianist Terry Trotter and the “west coast jazz guru”, Charlie Shoemake and won “the most dedicated student award.”
In 1979, Tim went to perform in Las Vegas with Billboard vocalist Paul Delicato.
In 1982, Tim returned to Losangeles and immersed himself in the jazz scene. He played with Dick Berk, Chuck Flores, Bob Summers,Herb Jeffries, Sam Most, Jon Nagourney and Kim Richmond etc. He led his own trio at Lunaria, Dontes and many other venues. Two recordings were produced which feature original compositions and standards. Bassist Darek Oles (Brad Meldhau) along with drummers Jack Ranelli and Kendall Kay make up the rhythm section. Also, trombonist Roy Wiegand recorded 2 CDs with Tim.
“Trombonist Roy Wiegand (Stan Kenton) is assisted on the album by pianist Tim Lyddon, drummer Jack LeCompte and Dave Stone on bass, a solid rhythm section.” L.A. Jazz Scene
In 1987, Tim began studying arranging from Lyle Murphy. Other students had been Oscar Peterson, Gerald Wiggins and Ted Greene.
In 1994, The Manhattan School of Music granted Tim a scholarship. He became a sub for Harold Danko and taught a jazz combo every semester which included pianists Jason Moran and Cornelius Claudio Kreusch. Studies included Jaki Byard.
The primary focus became the piano trio. He has composed and arranged much music. The trio is New York city based and has performed at Birdland, Sweet Rhythm, the Knitting factory, Cornelia St. Caf as well as the Deer Head Inn in PA. “Tims' improvisations show the depth of an exceptionally mature musician.” Jaki Byard
“Lyddons' playing is filled with surprises which come from the thoroughness in examining the history of jazz and classical repertoire.” Harold Danko
He has played with drummers Eliot Zigmund, Bill Goodwin, Tony Moreno and Jeff Hirschfield along with bassists Tony Marino, Scott Lee and Steve LaSpina.
In January of 2001, Tim released a beautiful CD entitled “I've Traveled So Far”. The CD has been well received. It features 8 originals and 2 standards. Joining Tim in the rhythm section are bassist Tom Hubbard and drummer Scott Latsky. Tom has performed with Kenny Barron,Charlie Rouse and Freddy Cole. Scott has recorded and played with guitarists Mundell Lowe and San Salvador. These three musicians have been playing together for several years and have evolved into a very tight unit. The recording represents subtlety, dynamics and interplay which is hard to find in jazz. Also, a mood is created ..a painting , a certain atmosphere. Harmonies from different periods of music are evident here. Dense and Spacious chords reminiscent of Ravel and Debussy contribute to the mixture of genres. At times the trio is influenced by Bill Evans as well as Keith Jarrett. What time is it? has shades of Oscar Peterson and Kenny Barron. I Should Care is influenced by Tommy Flanigan as well. The rhythmic grooves are diverse . In January of 2004, “Shades of People” was released. “All three musicians, Tim Lyddon on piano, Tom Hubbard on bass, and Scott Latzky on drums, have come together again as one entity that reveals just how dynamic an entity can be.” says WBGO's Dan Karcher. The Cd has had widespread rotation including much play on WBGO and has garnered a Jazz Times review, slowly gaining attention. In July of 2004, Tim led his trio at Sweet Rhythm with drummer Bill Goodwin and bassist Martin Wind. Jazz Times, the Village Voice, All about Jazz and Hothouse magazine have featured Tim in 2004. There is Tim Lyddon. Uncompromising, different yet understandable
“I've traveled so far is the best jazz piano trio recording in recent years. It's distinctive from everything else.” Daniel Karcher - WBGO (Americas' jazz station)
“Tim's' playing is introspective and recalls the late Bill Evans” Tim Blangger - Morning Call PA
“The pianist has a light touch that allows for a certain resonance, meaning that his lines- often little snippets of pure melody-are flecked with intrigue.” James Macnie - Village Voice
