Javier Lazo Figueroa
Composer and singer Javier Lazo is a writer of Peruvian trova music, known for his mastery of Peruvian Criolla styles in the lineage of Chabuca Grande, Andres Soto and Susana Baca, and has a unique style that comes from his use of and renewal of more ancient stories, myths and customs. His use of spare, elegant poetry in his songs is considered a great innovation in the evolution of afro-Peruvian music. He has worked very closely with the singer Susana Baca, who has included his songs on her last four recordings.
In March 2000, an article in the New York Observer had great praise for their work together, saying: "On the opening track, 'De Los Amores,' the girlish drama of Ms. Baca’s voice is a perfect match for a Javier Lazo lyric that would do Neruda proud: 'I cry in the usual place/ I fill myself with your sweat.' "
In 2001, Javier travelled to Italy and Spain as a representative of Peru for cultural arts festivals in those two countries. In 2002, he arranged an adaptation of a Kris Kristofferson song, which was sung by Susana Baca at a concert for the celebration of the 100 year anniversary of the Nobel Peace Prize. He is also known in Lima for his work composing and performing with Chebo Ballumbrosio for the circus performances of La Tarumba. In 2003, he produced a recording of his own work, titled Esperanza Grande, which was produced by the great Argentinian bassist and producer, Pedro Aznar. He is currently working with Gisela Perez-Ruibal on a series of recordings of songs for children, fusing folkloric melodies with pre-Colombian mythology and fables.
Javier Lazo Figueroa
Es productor musical y uno de los mas destacados compositores de la nueva generacion de creadores peruanos. Su trabajo sigue la senda de Chabuca Grande y recibe la inspiracion de la obra de Susana Baca de quien es su mas cercano colaborador en sus nuevas canciones. Ha compuesto "Tu sonrisa", del disco Peru Blue de Pamela Rodriguez-Arnaiz, nominada al Grammy Latino 2006.
