Career
A mysterious figure who disappeared from the music scen in the early 1960s He is best known for fronting a group that included early work from guitarist Grant Green. His first LP on Argo Records approximates his birth year as 1933. Initially a pianist, Lazar played in Ernie Wilkins group before Wilkins left Saint Louis to join Count Basie.
This was followed by a stint in George Hudson"s big band which also included Clark Terry and Jimmy Forrest at various times.
After a tour with alto saxophonist Tab Smith, Lazar was in the army from 1951-1953. Upon discharge, he began studying medical technology.
In 1958, Lazar saw the Jimmy Smith trio at the Peacock Alley club in Saint Louis and was inspired to play the Hammond organ and return to music His Saint Louis-based organ combo later included guitarists Grant Green, Joe Diorio, George Eskridge, drummer Chauncey Williams and saxophonist Miller Brisker among others
Not only did the group play a variety of gigs from strip clubs to jazz clubs, but they were reportedly one of the first interracial combos in the area.
Lazar recorded a single on Cawthron Records, and then went on to make several albums in the 1960s for the Chicago-based Argo Records. His first, Space Flight, was recorded in 1960 and added bassist Willie Dixon to his regular working combo featuring Williams and fellow Saint Louis musician Grant Green.
