Reflections: Steve Lacy Plays Thelonious Monk

by Steve Lacy

Overview

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. For this CD reissue (a straight reproduction of the original New Jazz LP), 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

Product Details

Release Date:	06/28/2024
Label:	Sowing Records
UPC:	7427255403982
Rank:	157275

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Steve Lacy   Primary Artist,Sax (Soprano)
Elvin Jones   Guest Artist,Drums
Buell Neidlinger   Guest Artist,Bass
Mal Waldron   Guest Artist,Piano

Technical Credits

Ira Gitler   Liner Notes
Thelonious Monk   Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer