EVERETT — Well-known composer and pianist David Lanz returns to his home state for a concert Friday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
Yes, that’s Black Friday. So if you need a break from shopping or shoppers, the soothing sounds of Lanz at the keyboard are sure to appeal.
Lanz is bringing with him his “life partner” Kristin Amarie, a Norwegian-born singer who is his collaborator on their new album “Forever Christmas.”
“We decided we wanted to do a Christmas record primarily because last winter was one of the worst on record,” said Lanz, who now lives in upstate New York. “We were stuck in the house and it was snowing like crazy and I said, ‘Let’s write some Christmas music.’ That’s why most of the album ended up being original material. We picked two traditional songs because they’re our mothers’ favorites. Kristin really wanted to do ‘Oh Holy Night’ for her mom, and ‘Silent Night’ is my mom’s favorite.”
Lanz, who was nominated for a Grammy in 2000, is well known as a recording and concert artist, reaching worldwide acclaim in 1988 with his commercial breakthrough and No. 1 Billboard hit “Cristofori’s Dream.”
The pianist has called the piece a thank-you note to Bartolomeo Cristofori, the inventor of the piano.
While known as a “New Age” musician, Lanz says, with a laugh, that a better description is “Heavy Mellow.”
“New Age is not a musical term,” he said. “If you listen, it’s really more of a neo-classical, pop-rock-jazz style.
“I grew up listening to the melodies of Lennon and McCartney. My music has a classical feel, but without the long-winded variations on themes. It’s romantic and introspective, but with intros, verses and choruses.”
People who come to the show in Everett can expect to hear some of his hits from the past 30 years as well as music from the Christmas album.
“I always try to cover enough of my past work so fans are not disappointed,” he said. “I am finding that the old hits on Pandora are getting a lot of spins. The internet is finally starting to pay off, after gutting the music industry.”
Others who worked on “Forever Christmas” include family and friends in the Seattle area — his brother, guitarist-recording engineer Gary Lanz, along with bassist Keith Lowe, cellist Walter Gray, guitarist Eric Tingstad and woodwinds player Nancy Rumble.
Lanz said he is excited that his tour in support of the new album will bring him back to Western Washington, especially for Christmas.
“My mom will be at the Everett show,” he said.
Gale Fiege: 425-339-3427; gfiege@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @galefiege.
If you go
David Lanz and Kristin Amarie: 8 p.m. Nov. 28, Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett. Tickets are $25. Call the box office at 425-258-6766.
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