Steve Lacy....Conversations

by Jason Weiss (editor)

Great series of interviews with one of the giants of the new jazz movement - and one of the all-time icons of the soprano saxophone. Lacy is witty, extremely articulate, and gives great insight into his composition and performance practice.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction

289 pages

First published July 19, 2006

Reviews

[Josh Sinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than any biography of Mr. Lacy could be. This books presents nearly every interview with Steve Lacy in chronological order. In its pages, one can follow the growth and trajectory of a major American artist. Invaluable not just for the curious student of improvisation, but also for those interested in art, the politics of art and the nature of improvisation. Lacy was one of the most well-spoken members of a profession that's known more for its opaque commentary rather than lucid incisiveness. He opens a small, but clear window into what he did throughout his career.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

great collection of interviews with Steve Lacy

[Eric Cecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring book. The interviews are all spectacular, and each one reveals something different about Lacy's influences, methods, ideas, etc. His brief ode to Stravinsky, included in the small section of his writings and notes, is one of the best artist tributes I've read in recent memory. Highly recommended.

[Paul Secor · Rating 5 out of 5]

The history of the soprano saxophone in jazz can be narrowed down to four main musicians: Sidney Bechet - the founding father of the instrument in the jazz world; Johnny Hodges - Bechet's pupil, who is best known as an alto saxophonist and who stopped playing soprano in the 1940's; Steve Lacy, who introduced the instrument into the world of modern jazz in the 1940's; and John Coltrane, whose recording of "My Favorite Things" made the instrument somewhat ubiquitous in the modern jazz world. Of all of these musicians, Steve Lacy was the only one who played soprano sax and didn't double on another reed instrument.
These interviews with the master soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy, spanning 45 years, almost amount to a mini-autobiography. The interviews cover a host of subjects - not only music, but art, poetry, politics, and life in general.
For me, it was a fascinating read, though I imagine only hard core fans would have that reaction.
Two parting comments: Steve Lacy recorded prolifically, appearing on well over two hundred albums over the course of his career. My good friend (and Goodreads friend) Jeff Crompton, the most ardent Steve Lacy fan I know, has collected most of these. Bless him.
And, if you Google the name Steve Lacy, you'll encounter pages and pages devoted to a young pop guitarist with the same name as the saxophonist. Evidently, the flavor of the month is more important than someone who had a musical career of fifty plus years. Sadly, that's America and the world these days.

[Kit · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful, deep, readable book.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid and candid interviews with a bygone eminence. Sometimes a little repetitive and dry (not in the good way, like Lacy's playing was) but otherwise insightful into the partnership, in Lacy's head, of non- and extra-musical influences on his playing. Brion Gysin, Joan Miró, etc. Young, totally unique musical thinkers of today, where are you? Not playing at Dizzy's Club Coca Cola, that's for sure.

[Phillip · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series of interviews with one of the great figures in the post-jazz movement. Lacy is witty, ultra-articulate, and he gives great insight into his composition and performance practices.