Bio lazo (né Lazarus J. Finn) is a Reggae musician from Dominica. He is from Castle Bruce, Dominica. He also holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto. Lazarus J. Finn
Lazo (né Lazarus J. Finn) is a Reggaemusician from Dominica. He is from Castle Bruce, Dominica.
He also holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto.
Lazarus J. Finn (Lazo) began his music career at 15 years of age with a band called Black Blood, whose very first album charted #2 and received extensive airplay in the Caribbean. Soon after immigrating to Canada, Lazo formed his own band, Unity, to showcase his original compositions. Upon relocating to Toronto, he created The Lazo Band, and released the well-received recording, "Satisfaction Guaranteed". Lazo subsequently produced two solo CDs: "Something Real" (nominated for a Juno Award in 1995) and “Impetus”, for Washington D.C. based RAS records (Lazo was the first Canadian artist signed to that label). “Impetus” is such a strong effort that it was the first independent album to chart on Vancouver’s Z95.3 (TOP 30) and was scooped up by the Washington DC based RAS records, becoming the first Canadian artist to be signed by the label. Lazo’s music video, “Crucial”, produced by Video Fact and RAS Records reached #3 on the charts in Guyana, South America and received extensive play on CSN (Caribbean Satellite Network), as well rotating on America’s BET (Black Entertainment Television). Honoured with awards from industry peers, Lazo was chosen as the Top Reggae Performer of the Year from the internationally recognized Canadian Reggae Music Awards and along with many Juno (Canadian equivalent to the Grammy) nominations; he garnered a Juno Award in 2000 for Best Reggae Recording for his “Heart and Soul” CD. The optimism shared from his beautiful composition, “Love Is on Your Side” captured a Juno nomination as did another album “Something Real” in 1995. Lazo's new release, "Passin Thru" ( Y.T. Records 2010), brings out the best in Lazo and is a true testament to his song-writing abilities, a must for industry and fans alike. Available now at LazoMusic.com Affectionately embraced year after year as the festival crowd favorite Lazo's nickname, "Mr. Sunfest" is well deserved- Artistic Director "Alfredo Caxaj" recently touted…"Is it any wonder we’ve invited him back for a 15th year in a row?" Lazo tours tirelessly throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. His list of international venues & festivals is ever growing, (i.e. Brazil’s Carnaval de Salvador, El Salvador, Argentina...) In 2010, Lazo toured the United States and South America as a member of the world renowned Wailers, (Bob Marley's original backup band featuring Aston "Family-Man" Barrett on bass, and the legendary Keith Sterling on keys.) The South American leg of the tour included African Reggae Star, Alpha Blondie. In addition, Lazo has performing at venues such as Hard Rock Cafe, House of Blues, and theatres across the US and Canada. EXODUS- Lazo's tribute show to Bob Marley is a MUST SEE.
WRITE UP/DESCRIPTION: Juno Award winner/Top Reggae Performer Lazo exudes a “feel-good” vibe through his combination of reggae riddims, beautiful melodies, conscious lyrics, and his uncanny ability to connect with his audience. Lazo writes songs informed by his studies in history and political science (he holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Toronto), and his deep empathy for the human condition. DISCOGRAPHY PASSIN THRU THE REMIX 2011
" I just wanted to say as a lifelong Bob Marley fan, I was thrilled to have
the opportunity to see the Legends show... you really capture
the vibe and sound of the legend himself- it was incredible. Every aspect was
great from the incredible guitar solos to the beautiful back up singers.
I have heard 101 Marley covers and I felt not only did you capture the
sound but also the mannerisms of Bob you exude the love you have for him
and his music." Phill McVeigh REVIEW:
“Canada-based Lazo has been a fixture on the international reggae scene since the early nineties, when RAS Records released two well-received albums by this Dominican singer and multi-instrumentalist. Since then he has built up an impressive body of work, and he recently toured with The Wailers, delighting Bob Marley’s fans – and reggae lovers in general – with his obvious commitment. However, he left, having felt the need to concentrate on his own works, and “Passin Thru”, his seventh CD, whilst bearing faint traces of Brother Bob, justifies his decision. This is a very impressive set of mostly original roots reggae compositions, dealing with serious times, pleasure and pain, beautifully sung, melodic and memorable, with a couple of lover’s tracks that are equally noteworthy – there is some excellent use of saxophone and flute too. The result is truly uplifting music, and recommended, of course.”
Norman Darwen reviewer/writer for IRIE UP http://www.IRIEUP.com/ and former contributor to http://www.reggaerunnins.com
TOUR DATES:
Oct 2, 2010 Saturday 5-7PMNiagara Food Festival-Main StageNiagara ON
Sept 24, 2010 Friday 8:00 PMMystique CasinoDebuque, Iowa USA
Sept 18, 2010 Saturday 8:00 PMCedar Golf CourseToronto, ON
Sept 8, 2010 Wednesday 8:30PMWestern University http://www.uwo.ca/London, ON
Aug 28, 2010 Saturday 8:00 PMArbour Room www.arbourrestaurant.comNobleton, ON