Steve Lacy The Straight Horn Of Steve Lacy

Featured in Michael Fremer's Heavy Rotation in the October 2007 Issue of Stereophile! Pressed at Pallas in Germany!
Some of soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy's most interesting recordings are his earliest ones. After spending periods of time playing with Dixieland groups and then with Cecil Taylor (which was quite a jump), Lacy made several recordings that displayed his love of Thelonious Monk's music plus his varied experiences. On this particular set, Lacy's soprano contrasts well with Charles Davis' baritone on three of the most difficult Monk tunes ("Introspection," "Played Twice" and "Criss Cross") plus two Cecil Taylor compositions and Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee."
The only 'simple' thing about Steve Lacy is the shape of his instrument. Here he uses the soprano saxophone in an extraordinarily inventive way. His playing sounds very modern, especially when you consider when the recording came from! One will hardly be able to exaggerate when one realizes that Lacy's improvisations are among the absolute best musically – he was one of the most talented soprano saxophonists anyway. His early use as a bandleader shows his pioneering commitment to the avant-garde (he played with Cecil Taylor shortly before these recordings and presents a few of his compositions here) and his lasting fascination for Thelonious Monk. Although the group plays here without piano, Monk's style is clearly recognizable in many pieces. Lacy himself contributes to this with the sharp tones of his instrument.

Features:

• 180 Gram Audiophile Vinyl
• Pressed at Pallas in Germany

Musicians:

• Steve Lacy, soprano sax
• Charles Davis, baritone sax
• John Ore, bass
• Roy Haynes, drums

Selections:

Side A
1. Louise
2. Introspection
3. Donna Lee
Side B
1. Played Twice
2. Air
3. Criss Cross