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Steve Lacy: Cycles (1976 – 1980)
ByCycles sounds excellent throughout, mainly because of painstaking work that Emanem proprietor Martin Davidson invested in it. His own sleeve notes give some insight into that process: "[T]here are two major problems with this Roman concert recording [of the SHOTS cycle]. One is that it was recorded on a cassette recorder with Automatic Gain Control, resulting in me having to spend many hours reducing the volume of each pause and its ensuing note to overcome the undesirable effect..." In addition, Davidson supplemented that Roman recording by substituting pieces taken from other recordings of the SHOTS cycle, constructing the best possible version of it that he could. Such commendable dedication led to a thoroughly excellent two-disc set.
Of course, none of the above would matter if the music itself did not merit it. Fortunately, it more than does; as so often, Davidson has selected well, so that without exception this is top notch Lacy. With the music centred on the three cycles, it hangs together well and, overall, has a pleasing sense of consistency and flow. All of that is reinforced by the confidence, fluency and vitality of Lacy's solo playing. In the spotlight throughout, his exquisite sense of time, the richness of his tone and the sureness of every note are showcased. To hear him at his best, like this, is analogous to watching a snooker ace sure-footedly building a huge break by potting ball after ball after ball without pausing or waveringimpressive stuff! And these Lacy compositions show off his talents to best effect; many of his long melodic lines seem so familiar that one is tempted to sing along with them... but they always manage to keep listeners on their toes by avoiding anything too obvious; so, just as one is anticipating the next phrase, Lacy will throw in an unexpected twist, but always one that works and feels right in context. Yet another first-rate Lacy album to add to those already in Emanem's impressive portfolio of same.
Track Listing
SHOTS: Moms; Pops; The Kiss; Tots; The Ladder; Fruits; Coots; The Wire; Follies; Thought; Wickets; Swoops; SANDS: Stand; Jump; Fall; HEDGES: Hedges; Squirrel; Fox; Rabbit; Shambles.
Personnel
Steve Lacy
saxophone, sopranoSteve Lacy: soprano saxophone solos; Pierre Droulers: dance (16-20).
Album information
Title: Cycles (1976 – 1980) | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Emanem
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