In this episode of MUSIC SCENE, host Nanette Wiser catches up with the charming Simon Lasky after his summer performances in London and move from Tampa to St. Pete, where he performs every Friday 6pm at The Birchwood Hotel. The Simon Lasky Group performs at The Palladium 10/25, then joins James Suggs for another performance (he worked with James on Suggs new album). The British jazz pianist/composer, Simon Lasky, returns to The Palladium with his all-star band of Tampa Bay jazz musicians to perform a mix of standards, originals, arrangements and new compositions. His band includes Allison Nash – vocals; James Suggs – trumpet; Mark Feinman – drums; Alejandro Arenas – upright & electric bass; and special guest Jack Wilkins, saxophone, who is returning from his new home in NC especially for this show. Lasky will also appear at Nov. 21-23 Suncoast Jazz Festival with Lasky, Arenas & Nash, showcasing their Bacharach chops, other original compositions (including the one at the end of this interview).
Web. simonlasky.com YouTube: @simonlasky Instagram: @simon_lasky Spotify: Simon Lasky Group LISTEN NOW https://youtu.be/XvaynpdPvO4?si=BiymOXFvLLQOA5Xj
“Lasky’s music is atmospheric, melodic, airy, thoughtful and often influenced by the Pat Metheny Group without being too derivative.” — Scott Yanow, Los Angeles Jazz Scene
** We love For The Dreamers, a CD The Simon Lasky Group released recently featuring Simon Lasky: piano, keyboards, composer Ona K: vocals
James Suggs & Shanti Jayasinha: trumpet Paul Booth & Jack Wilkins: tenor saxophone Sam Mayne & Aaron West: alto saxophone Elias Tona: electric bass
Alejandro Arenas: upright bass, co-producer Peter Mongaya: guitars
Jonathan Thomas: drums and special guest Tim Garland: soprano sax
**British jazz pianist/composer, Simon Lasky, has received major awards for his music in the U.S. and the U.K., including a 2018 British Composer Award, two 2024 Creative Loafing Best of The Bay Awards, a 2025 Palladium Creative Fellowship, and regular endorsements from ISJAC (the International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers) - his music selected for high profile presentations at ISJAC’s bi-annual symposia. Simon’s 3 albums as a leader showcase dozens of compositions for jazz ensembles. His music has been performed in London’s Barbican Hall and Wigmore Hall, and broadcast extensively on BBC radio and NPR. He has performed and recorded with leading jazz artists from the U.S. and European jazz scenes, including Tim Garland, Sara Caswell, Alexis Cole, Danny Gottlieb, Herlin Riley, Paul Booth, Ant Law, Jack Wilkins and James Suggs. Simon relocated from London, England to Tampa, Florida in 2018 on the receipt of a Fellowship to study jazz composition at the University of South Florida with multiple GRAMMY nominated big band composer, Chuck Owen. Simon has recently performed in New York City jazz clubs, Florida jazz festivals, and he leads his Tampa Bay based jazz group in sold out concerts throughout South and Central Florida. In demand as a soloist, a lecturer, a clinician and a sideman, Simon is currently an Adjunct Faculty Music Professor at the University of South Florida and Hillsborough Community College.

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