Jeff Lorber is a Grammy Award-winning American keyboardist, composer, and record producer who has been a prominent figure in jazz fusion and contemporary jazz since the late 1970s. Born on November 4, 1952, in Cheltenham, Pennsylvania, Lorber began playing the piano at the tender age of four.
Jeff Lorber attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, where his passion for jazz blossomed under the tutelage of Madame Margaret Chaloff. He drew inspiration from jazz luminaries such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Horace Silver, and McCoy Tyner. In 1972, Lorber relocated to Vancouver, Washington, marking the beginning of his professional music journey.
In the late 1970s, Lorber formed the Jeff Lorber Fusion, marking a significant milestone in his career. The group's self-titled debut album released in 1977 set the stage for his innovative contributions to the post-fusion sound of contemporary jazz. Noteworthy albums from this period include:
After a hiatus, the band was revitalized in 2010 with "Now Is The Time," showcasing Lorber's evolving musical style.
Transitioning to a solo career in the 1980s, Jeff Lorber released "It's a Fact" in 1982, setting the tone for his subsequent works. His 1985 track "Pacific Coast Highway" earned a Grammy nomination, and "Facts of Love," featuring Karyn White, climbed to No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986. After a brief hiatus in the late 1980s, Lorber returned in the 1990s with albums like "Worth Waiting For" and "West Side Stories."
Lorber is acclaimed for pioneering the "smooth jazz" and "urban jazz" genres, expertly blending elements of funk, R&B, rock, and electric jazz. His signature instrument is the Fender Rhodes electric piano, through which he crafts dynamic grooves and intricate jazzy improvisations.
Jeff Lorber's career is decorated with accolades, including a Grammy Award in 2018 for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album with "Prototype." His previous nominations include:
Lorber's collaborations span across notable artists such as Dave Koz, Herb Alpert, and Laura Branigan. He is a part of the all-star group Jazz Funk Soul, alongside saxophonist Everette Harp and guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. Additionally, his collaborative album "Eleven" with guitarist Mike Stern in 2019 stands out among his works.
Continuing his prolific output, Lorber has recently released albums with Jeff Lorber Fusion, such as "Space-Time" (2021) and "The Drop" (2023). Aside from performing and recording, he also hosts a show on Sirius Satellite Radio, further cementing his influence in contemporary jazz.
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