The Geoff Lapp Trio

GEOFF LAPP

Born in Montreal in 1953, Geoff Lapp was trained in the classical tradition and studied at McGill University under widely respected jazz pianist Art Maiste. During the early years of his career, he gained experience in the pop music world touring with the likes of Michel Pagliaro. From the early '80s onwards, he devoted himself fully to the jazz idiom.

As one of Canada’s most accomplished pianists/composers, Geoff Lapp became a sought-after accompanist for a host of top Canadian performers. In addition to his own trio work, Geoff has performed and/or recorded with renowned jazzmen such as Paquito d’Rivera, Don Menza, Richie Cole, Bob Mover, Sonny Fortune, and Slide Hampton, among others. He has also performed extensively in festivals and clubs worldwide.

At home in Quebec, he is a mainstay on the vibrant jazz scene, and has performed with a panoply of local luminaries: Michel Donato, Jeri Brown, Peter Leitch, Ranee Lee, Denzil Sinclair, John Labelle, Charlie Biddle, Charles Ellison and the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir.

PRESS REVIEWS

Lapp demonstrates an equally impressive array of talents as soloist, accompanist and composer....his technique contains equal proportions of passion and lyricism, and he has no trouble sustaining the flow of ideas - Cadence Jazz Journal, USA

"...lyrical pianist who swings like a barn door - The Montreal Gazette

“...considerable compositional skills…” The Jazz Report, Toronto

For Immediate Release

Elephant Records is pleased to announce the release of The Geoff Lapp Trio’s newest recording, 'Stained Glass'. With a mix of freshly-interpreted standards and all-new originals, the disc offers a sparkling assortment of tunes from three of Montreal’s most respected jazzmen.

Many devotees of contemporary jazz will recognize Geoff Lapp’s piano stylings through his work with artists such as Slide Hampton, Rainee Lee, Stephanie Biddle and Paquito d’Rivera. For jazz fans in Montreal, however, the Geoff Lapp Trio is a landmark in its own right. Having played extended gigs at many of the town's premiere night spots since 1999, this is the group aficionados seek out for that heady space where soulful and cerebral fuse -- the alembic of great jazz moments.

On 'Stained Glass', we find Lapp in characteristic form -- tastefully articulate and harmonically innovative and embarking on melodic explorations that take full advantage of the uninhibited freedoms offered by the trio format. The disc features 5 original compositions which range from the bright and capricious Sunny Rays to the bluesy Kathy?s Waltz to the textured complexity of Theme for Margaret. Five standards are also included, with ballads such as Elsa and Day Dream? setting off the more upbeat swing tunes like Sweet Lorraine and The Party’s Over.

He’s one of the city’s finest pianists, and anyone who has frequented any of the city’s jazz club’s knows Geoff Lapp is synonymous with quality musicianship, taste and flexibility -- Montreal Gazette

The Geoff Lapp Trio is: Geoff Lapp (piano), Paul Johnston (bass), and Dave Laing (drums)

'Stained Glass' track listing:

'Stained Glass' is produced by Geoff Lapp and Paul Johnston and will be available at most music retailers from November 18, 2006.