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