Jazz Articles about School Days

About School Days

Album Review

Steve Lacy - Roswell Rudd Quartet: School Days

Read "School Days" reviewed by Glenn Astarita

by Glenn Astarita
April 19, 2003

Recorded in 1963 at the Phase Two Coffee House in New York City, this outing refers to the concept of “schooling oneself,” originating from soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy’s previous stints with Thelonious Monk. Lacy and trombonist Roswell Rudd performed the music of Monk as a unit for approximately four years; they coalesce here with the notable rhythm section of bassist Henry Grimes and drummer Dennis Charles. And while this is sort of a rough-cut recording, re- processed by a crack ...

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Album Review

School Days: In Our Times

by Derek Taylor
August 1, 2002

While their name may be borrowed, School Days affects a musical persona far from derivative. The Lacy-Rudd project of yore may have been the impetus, but this trans-Atlantic ensemble is every bit its own entity. On their follow-up to last year’s Crossing Division the group, ostensibly helmed (and financed) by KenVandermark, rolls out another supply of eclectic tunes and dynamic improvisatory action. The Chicagoan contributes the bulk of compositions along with a single entry from fellow Windy City comrade Bishop, ...

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Album Review

School Days: Crossing Division

by Derek Taylor
January 1, 2001

Music is a game of influences and Ken Vandermark is a musician who proudly wears his influences on his sleeve. Instead of refuting or avoiding them he routinely embraces and acknowledges them. It’s a lesson in character and rectitude that many of his detractors could learn from. His reverence for what has come before manifests in a variety of ways from the dedicatory nature of many of his compositions, to the elements of others heard in personalized form through his ...