T Lavitz

T started playing piano in 1963 at age 7 having been encouraged by his father, but he had initially wanted to be a trumpet player

Attended an arts academy in Michigan studying Sax and keyboard after being offered a scholarship there

After the academy, he went to the University of Miami

Joined the Dixie Dregs in 1979, playing on their first album “Dregs of the Earth” in 1980. He stayed with the band until their break up in 1983

In 1981, he won Keyboard Magazines’ “Best New Talent” poll

Wrote an instructional book for Hal Leonard publications on playing Jazz and Rock keyboard

Influenced by Keith Emerson, Chick Corea, Bud Powell and Bill Evans

In 1997, T helped form “Jazz is Dead” with other jazz alumni, and played jazzy instrumentals of Grateful Dead songs

 

T on organ and synth Check out the action around 1:35 &2:00