Search - Steve Lacy :: Soprano Sax

Lacy's First "Soprano Sax"

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 07/03/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

""Soprano Sax" is Steve Lacy's first album as a leader. Recorded for Prestige on November 1, 1957, this disc features Lacy on his now trademark soprano with pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Buell Neidlinger and drummer Dennis Charles. There are no Lacy originals here, just a couple of Ellington tunes ("Day Dream" and "Rockin' in Rhythm"), three standards and Thelonious Monk's "Work." It is only fitting that Lacy tackle Monk on his first release since he went on to record an entire album of Monk's tunes for his next Prestige date, "Reflections" (see my review). I'm withholding a fifth star from "Soprano" because Lacy is just beginning to reach the heights here that he will later obtain on "Reflections" and "Evidence." Overall though, "Soprano Sax" is an excellent debut."