Latin Grammy winner and multi-Grammy nominee, Argentine-born and New York-based pianist and composer Emilio Solla’s first band, Apertura, (1983-1989) was praised by Astor Piazzolla as one of the most interesting new sounds in the Buenos Aires scene in 1986. Today, with eleven CDs as a bandleader and more than forty as arranger/producer, he is regarded by peers and critics as one of the most outstanding and unique composers in the Tango-Jazz field, a musical language that blends Argentine tango and folk with jazz and other contemporary music styles. He has performed all around Europe, Japan, the US, and Latin America.
Solla moved to New York in 2006, and since then he has composed for, recorded, and toured with Paquito D’Rivera, Arturo O’Farrill, Edmar Castañeda, Cristina Pato, and many other jazz and classical music greats, besides performing regularly with his different projects at the Jazz Standard, Jazz at Lincoln Center and Birdland. Former members of his bands include jazz stars Donny Mc Caslin, Omer Avital, Jorge Rossy, Jeff Ballard, and more. He continues to tour Europe and the US while working as a free-lance arranger and pianist on different projects in NY.
Lizana’s live show is described as a “breathtaking journey from flamenco roots to contemporary jazz”, all spun with his soulful lyrics which bring messages of optimism and truth to the audience of this unique artist.