Artist:     Lazer Lloyd

Album:     Lazer Lloyd

Label:     LL Records

Release Date:     06/09/2015

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Lloyd’s deep spirituality on this album reminds me of Santana’s best work, and it has a similar feel to Clapton’s “In the Presence of the Lord”.  Israeli blues-rock singer/songwriter and guitaris­­­­t Lazer Lloyd has made quite an impact with this, his third release that showcases his mastery of several guitar styles as well as his impassioned vocals.  The album was written and recorded in two Tel Aviv studios during a period of intense songwriting throughout 2014.  Lazer’s demanding touring schedule has him shuttling between the stages of Israel, as well as Russia and North America.

Born Lloyd Paul Blumen in New York, Lazer moved at a young age to Connecticut with his parents.  Growing up in Connecticut, at age 15, Lazer was already playing in night clubs along the Connecticut shoreline. At 18, Lazer went to Skidmore College to study music under Milt Hinton (bass player for Louis Armstrong), Randy Brecker (Blood, Sweat and Tears), and Gene Bertoncini. One night in New York, Lazer played a gig with the legendary singing Rabbi, Shlomo Carlebach, who invited Lazer to play with him in Israel and he quickly decided to take his music to the Middle East in 1994.

Once in Israel, Lazer built an audience for the blues in a country where it was an often a newly discovered art form.   Known by many as Israel’s King of the Blues, he cites B.B. King as one of his biggest inspirations in music and in life. He also draws on the blues work of many other iconic guitarists.

Describing his use of guitars, Lazer says, “All of my guitars are always messed up because I’m always looking for a unique sound somewhere between a Gibson 335, a Fender Telecaster and a Stratocaster, so I usually have homemade stuff that I’ve changed the pick-ups on at least 100 times and I’m still not happy… but I really am happy finally with how things came out. Hopefully, I can help release some pain from someone’s heart and make them feel good. I think blues in all its forms continues to generate a devoted following because it’s real; it’s about everyone’s life story and it heals.”

Lloyd comes across very genuinely on heartfelt tunes such as “”Never Give Up”, “Time to Love”, and “Whole Heart”.   It looks like he’ll be a mainstay on the blues scene for years to come.

To watch a short “Meet Lazer Lloyd” video, click here:  http://youtu.be/mm2H5sOXZZs

– Jim Hynes