STEVE LACY

Steve Lacy (born Steven Norman Lackritz; July 23, 1934 – June 4, 2004) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer. He was recognized as an important player of the soprano saxophone. Lacy gained prominence in the 1950s as a progressive dixieland musician. He worked extensively in experimental jazz and also in free improvisation, though his music was typically melodic and tightly structured. Lacy became known for his distinctive compositions, which often consisted of a single questioning phrase repeated multiple times. He incorporated the music of Thelonious Monk into his repertoire after a period in Monk's band, with Monk's compositions appearing on many of his albums and concert programs. Lacy frequently collaborated with trombonist Roswell Rudd in exploring Monk's work. In addition to Monk, he performed works by jazz composers such as Charles Mingus, Duke Ellington, and Herbie Nichols. Unlike many jazz musicians, Lacy rarely played standard popular or show tunes.