[smoothjazztenor]

I need to know which CD albums belong to his "pre-avant garde" stuff?
Are there many?

I only have his "Soprano Sax" titled CD.

Wanna listen to others...but don't wanna go to his avant garde stuff...

 

[brutlix]

I recommend Steve Lacy & Gil Evans - Paris Blues. I think that is some of his most lyrical soprano playing.

 

[Paul B]

The Gil Evans duo record is indeed beautiful, though it was made pretty late in Lacy's career. Very lyrical stuff, with tunes by Mingus, Ellington, and Lacy.

These early dates should fit your bill, in addition to the one you mention:
-The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy
-Reflections (an all Monk album)
-Evidence
-Soprano Today (with Wynton Kelly)
-The Jaguar Sessions (seemingly trad, but far more interesting and advanced than any trad of that time)
-Jazz Advance (yes, it's a Cecil Taylor album, but nothing like what Cecil did later, still very much in the post-Monk vein)
-Evidence (with Don Cherry)

 

[guido]

Are any of Lacy's records pre-avant garde? Even on the "Complete ****** Mitchell sessions" from 1956 he was pushing limits. Delightfully so.

Other great early records worth checking out include: The Straight Horn of Steve Lacy (With Dennis Charles on Bari!), Reflections (all Monk wonderful Mal Waldron piano -- they made may fine records through the years) , School Days (all Monk with Roswell Rudd).
Early years 1954-56 (also looks interesting but I haven't heard it).

Enjoy!

 

[BeBopSop]

I have just ordered this one from amazon 'steve lacy soprano sax' I am after the "pre-avant garde" ones too (although I think this is the one you have)

"ALONE TOGETHER @ SOPRANO SAX - STEVE LACY"
John

 

[odsum25]

Gil Evans & Ten features Lacy. http://www.amazon.com/Gil-Evans-Ten/dp/B000000YJA

 

[BeBopSop]

Just bought....Steve Lacy and Mal Waldron 'HOT HOUSE' A great version of Petite Fleur on here!

 

[dubrosa22]

'We See' from Hat Hut Records is from 1992 but hardly challenging listening or 'avant garde' just wonderful performances of Monk tunes with a great sextet.

Highly Recommended!

 

[tinpalaceroach]

Dennis Charles was a drummer not a Bari player..guido.

 

[Paul B]

Dennis Charles was a drummer not a Bari player..guido.

I think he's confusing him with Charles Davis, who played bari on this and a number of other records on which Lacy appears under other leaders (Cecil Taylor, Jazz Composers Orchestra).

 

[guido]

Indeed. typed too fast... Sorry for the confusion. Charles Davis plays great on Straight Horn. A quite unappreciated master, further slighted by my sloppy typing!