A Voice That Needs Hearing!
Christopher Forbes | Brooklyn,, NY | 01/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As we enter this new century, music is at a crossroads, particularly advanced improvised music. Some musicians seem intent on an ideal of complete spontaneity, an ideal that can at time lead to brilliant music making, but more often leads to aimless wandering. Others seem most interested in tibral explorations, which can also lead to fascinating result, but often seems like a set of aural "tricks'. In this kind of atmosphere, a musician like Steve Lacy is a breath of fresh air. Lacy is largely unknown in our country, at least since the 70's. Most of his career has been spent in Europe, where he has divided time between Monk tribute bands, large groups devoted to Lacy's interest in mixing composition, improvisation and poetry, and the small trio format. In all of these guises Lacy proves himself a master of style, but in none does he show his mastery as well as in the marvelous trio he has led with Jean-Jacques Avenel and John Betsch. This two disc set captures this trio at the top of their game. Recorded live in concert, the CD boasts a tune by Monk and then originals by Lacy. Lacy's compositional style is based on Monk and Herbie Nichols. The tunes are quirky, jazz based, and often include defined changes, though some are quite free as well. What makes the difference in this group if the approach to improvisation. Lacy is a cerebral player. His lines are controlled and conceptualized to a high degree. There is a profound logic to his improvisations, a discipline that is lacking in most jazz players of any school. Whether he is blowing boppish as on The Rent, or completely free and wild, as on Blinks, he never looses control of the improvisational situation. This makes listening to a Lacy solo satifying both emotionally and intellectually, a balance that is not always achieved by other avant-garde improvisers. Lacy is also very generous with his solo space. Both Jean-Jacques Avenel and John Betsch get equal space with Lacy and they are just as finely tuned with Lacy's aesthetic. Avenel's solos are finely controlled and make a fine showcase for his deep rich tone. Betsch's drum solos are simply the finest I've heard in many years. They are not bang fests, but rather melodic and compositional, like Max Roach at his peak. And the interaction of the group when blowing together is almost prescient.Added to that, the twofer price of the disc and this is a no brainer for any jazz fan. You ow it to yourself to listen to Lacy. And I can think of no better album to start with than this one!"
An amazing gig caught on CD.
Douglas T Martin | Alpharetta, GA USA | 06/22/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This 2-CD set opens with a Thelonius Monk song which sets the tone for the next two hours. The other songs, all by Lacy, have a Monk-ish quality to them. It doesn't blow the listener away with powerhouse soloing; instead it shows a trio of exceptional musicians reworking catchy melodies into clever improvisation. The trio sound never gets old because of the musicians' technical and improvisational skills. The sound quality is perfect, the audience appreciative, and the whole CD is a good introduction to Steve Lacy's music.Steve Lacy - soprano sax, Jean-Jacques Avenel - bass, John Betsch - drums."
Track Listings (5) - Disc #1