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Bobby Lyle

Bobby Lyle, one of the most versatile keyboardists on the music scene, continues to evolve his artistry. In a career that has spanned more than three decades, Lyle has established himself as a composer, bandleader, producer, arranger, musical director, music publisher, jazz educator, recording artist and world class live performer. Audiences at home and abroad have been mesmerized by his melodic compositions and dazzling piano technique. He has been musical director for Al Jarreau, Bette Midler, the late Phyllis Hyman and Anita Baker. He also toured with such stellar musicians as Wayne Henderson and the Jazz Crusaders, Gerald Albright, Ronnie Laws and George Benson before settling permanently into leading his own bands in the ‘90s. His discography includes three albums for Capitol, six for Atlantic Jazz, three for Three Keys, one for Heads Up and his latest project, a tribute to the late Jimmy Smith done entirely on the Hammond B-3 organ—a first for Bobby on his own label, New Warrior Music.

Lyle received an Emmy nomination for his musical direction on the HBO special “Diva Las Vegas” with Bette Midler in 1997.

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4
Album Review

Bobby Lyle: The Way I Feel

Read "The Way I Feel" reviewed by Chris Becker


Pianist and composer Bobby Lyle's first encounter with the great Hammond B-3 player Jimmy Smith was in a Minneapolis nightclub called Big Al's, where the then-teenaged Lyle performed as the “local talent" on the downstairs stage. Upstairs, Smith was playing as the headliner and Lyle, after finishing his set as quickly as possible, raced upstairs to hear Smith and perhaps shake his hand.“Jimmy was a black belt in karate," says Lyle of that first meeting. “So when he ...

181
Album Review

Bobby Lyle: Hands On

Read "Hands On" reviewed by Woodrow Wilkins


Bobby Lyle has covered a lot of ground in his career. The keyboard/pianist's versatility has surfaced through his efforts as music director for artists like Bette Midler, Al Jarreau and Anita Baker--and jamming, recording or touring with such giants as Jimi Hendrix, Sly and the Family Stone, the Ronnie Laws Band and George Benson. A little bit of everything from Lyle's experience is present on Hands On, a combination of funk, R&B and smooth jazz. Overall, the ...

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Festival

Heartfelt Performances And “remembering Joe Sample” At The Berks Jazz Fest

Heartfelt Performances And “remembering Joe Sample” At The Berks Jazz Fest

Source: Sean McKenzie

By Sean McKenzie As I watched the amazing lineup of jazz royalty remembering the true legend, Joe Sample, I had never been so moved by such a fitting musical tribute. I remember it was only a little over a year ago that Wayne Henderson had been given his regal sendoff. And now, amongst other Sample fans, I experienced a healing concert for yet another Jazz Crusader. Who was on the lineup? Musical director and pianist Bobby Lyle, who also assembled ...

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Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

Freedom, Soul, Jazz

Will Boyd Music
2019

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The Way I Feel

Self Produced
2013

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New Warrior

Tzadik
2012

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The Genie

Tzadik
2012

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Hands On

Heads Up International
2006

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