Steve Lacy: The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy + Reflections. Steve Lacy Plays Thelonious Monk [2LPs on 1CD!]

Straightahead / Mainstream Jazz
premiera polska: 2011-06-01
kontynent: Ameryka Północna
kraj: USA
opakowanie: Jewelcaseowe etui
opis:
Editor's info:
Born Steven Norman Lackritz in New York on July 23, 1934, Steve Lacy began his career at sixteen playing Dixieland music with much older musicians such as Henry "Red" Allen, Pee Wee Russell, George "Pops" Foster and Zutty Singleton, as well as with Kansas City jazzmen like Buck Clayton, Jimmy Rushing and Dickie Wells. This seemed to be the right music for his chosen instrument, the soprano saxophone. Prior to Lacy, the only jazz musicians to really master the instrument were Sidney Bechet and Johnny Hodges (John Coltrane's attempts with the soprano began in 1960). After his Dixieland period, Lacy became gradually involved in modern and free jazz. His new idols became Thelonious Monk and Cecil Taylor. He played on Jazz Advance (1956), Taylor's debut album, and appeared with Taylor's groundbreaking quartet at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival. While Lacy's first album as a leader, Soprano Sax, included Monk's composition "Work", his second album under his own name (Reflections, 1958 -added here as a bonus LP) was dedicated exclusively to Monk's compositions. He also briefly played in Monk's band in 1960 and participated on Monk's 1963 LP Big Band/Quartet. Monk tunes became a permanent part of his repertoire, making an appearance in virtually every concert and on albums. (The LP featured here, The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy, features three Monk tunes.) Lacy continued to work with other players within the American free-jazz avant-garde movement during the 1960s.

2 LPs on 1 CD!
The complete album The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy (Candid CS9007), which was Lacy's third album as a leader. It presents him in a pianoless quartet with Charlie Davis on baritone sax, John Ore on bass, and Roy Haynes on drums. The repertoire consists of three pieces by Thelonious Monk, two by Cecil Taylor and Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee". As a bonus, Lacy's complete second LP as a leader, Reflections (New Jazz NJLP8206), featuring a regular pianobass- drums rhythm section and consisting exclusively of compositions by Monk.
Includes 16-page booklet

*****All Music Guide
The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy
"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 (they are
backed by bassist John Ore and drummer Roy Haynes)." (Scott Yanow)

****DOWN BEAT original review:
Reflections
"On first hearing, this music is a little hard to accept unqualifiedly. The basic reason
for this lies in Steve Lacy's soprano, a singular, rather unfamiliar and rarely employed
instrument in modern jazz. This album contains interpretation of some remarkable
music by a first-rate rhythm section (which includes the cogent pianist Waldron)
and an eloquent soprano saxophonist. Get this one; but for a starter take it as you
would tequila -with a salt-lick and lime-slice chaser." (John A. Tynan)

****1/2 All Music Guide
Reflections
"All of soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy's early recordings are quite fascinating, for
during 1957-1964, aspects of his style at times hinted at Dixieland, swing, Monk,
and Cecil Taylor, sometimes at the same time. Here Lacy teams up with pianist
Mal Waldron, bassist Buell Neidlinger, and drummer Elvin Jones for seven Thelonious
Monk compositions. The typical standbys (such as "Round Midnight', 'Straight No
Chaser', and 'Blue Monk') are avoided in favor of more complex works such as
'Four in One', 'Bye-Ya', and 'Skippy'; the sweet ballad 'Ask Me Now' is a highpoint.
Lacy always had an affinity for Monk's music and, even nearly 40 years later, this
set is a delight." (Scott Yanow)

muzycy:
Steve Lacy: Soprano Sax
Charles Davis: Baritone Sax
John Ore: Bass
Roy Haynes: Drums

Reflections: Steve Lacy Plays Thelonious Monk
Steve Lacy: Soprano Sax
Mal Waldron: Piano
Buell Neidlinger: Bass
Elvin Jones: Drums

utwory:
1. Louise 5:27
2. Introspection 5:34
3. Donna Lee 7:55
4. Played Twice 5:54
5. Air 6:40
6. Criss Cross 5:46
7. Four In One 6:09
8. Reflections 4:10
9. Hornin' In 5:19
10. Bya-ya 4:41
11. Let's Call This 7:18
12. Ask Me Now 4:57
13. Skippy 4:20

total time - 67:04
wydano: 2010
nagrano: New York, November 19, 1960 & Hackensack, New Jersey, October 17, 1958.