Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy

Steve Lacy is an American jazz saxophonist and composer born in New York in 1934 and active until his death in 2004. He is identified with avant-garde jazz, free jazz and jazz, and is known as an important player of the soprano saxophone.

Career

Lacy comes to prominence in the 1950s as a progressive dixieland musician. He later builds a long career in experimental jazz and, to a lesser extent, free improvisation. His music is typically melodic and tightly structured, and his compositions often use short repeated phrases built around a single questioning idea.

He works extensively as both a performer and composer, and remains active in playing and teaching after being diagnosed with cancer in 2003, continuing until his death in 2004.

Groups and collaborations

He performs and records in a range of named ensembles, including Steve Lacy & Cie, Steve Lacy Octet, The Steve Lacy Quartet, Steve Lacy Seven, Steve Lacy + 6, Steve Lacy Two, Steve Lacy Five, Steve Lacy 6, Steve Lacy Double Sextet and Steve Lacy+16. He is also associated with Cecil Taylor Quartet, Antonyms and Alan Silva and The Celestrial Communication Orchestra.

Release label

Lacy is associated with Cyla Music.