David Howard Lanz (born June 28, 1950, in Seattle, Washington, USA) is an American pianist and composer best known for his influential work in new age and contemporary instrumental music. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he has become one of the genre’s most recognizable figures, known for lyrical piano melodies and atmospheric compositions.
Lanz grew up in Seattle in a musical household—his mother played piano and introduced him to artists such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole, which helped spark his early interest in music.He began playing piano as a child and started performing with local bands during his teenage years in the 1960s.
Early in his career, Lanz worked as a rock and studio musician, even playing keyboards on “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks.
During the late 1970s he performed jazz and blues in clubs before transitioning into composing original instrumental music.
In the early 1980s he joined the Narada label, where his piano-driven albums helped define the emerging New Age music movement.
His 1988 album Cristofori’s Dream became a landmark release, topping the Billboard New Age chart and bringing him international recognition.
Throughout his career Lanz has released numerous albums and toured widely. His music blends new age, jazz, classical influences, and ambient textures, often intended to evoke reflection and emotional uplift.
He received a Grammy nomination for Best New Age Album for East of the Moon (2000).
Music
Heartsounds (1983)
Nightfall (1985)
Natural States (with Paul Speer, 1985)
Solstice (with Michael Jones, 1985)
Cristofori’s Dream (1988)
Skyline Firedance (1990)
Return to the Heart (1991)
Bridge of Dreams (1993)
Beloved: A David Lanz Collection (1995)
Beloved (1995)
Convergence (with David Arkenstone, 1996)
East of the Moon (1999)
Love Songs (2001)
Romantic: The Ultimate David Lanz Collection (2002)
Heartsounds / Nightfall (remastered, 2003)
The Best of David Lanz (2005)
Liverpool: Re-Imagining the Beatles (2009)
Liverpool Trio: Live in Seoul (2010)
Norwegian Rain (2016)
French Impressions (2017)
Water Sign (2020)
Lettere D’amore – Letters of Love (with Kristin Amarie, 2022)
Valentine Hill (2024)
Ayres (with Kristin Amarie, 2024)
Moonlight Lake (with Kristin Lanz, 2024)