Some of soprano saxophonist
Steve Lacy's most interesting recordings are his earliest ones. After spending periods of time playing with Dixieland groups and then with
Cecil Taylor (which was quite a jump),
Lacy made several recordings that displayed his love of
Thelonious Monk's music plus his varied experiences. On this particular set,
Lacy's soprano contrasts well with
Charles Davis' baritone (they are backed by bassist
John Ore and drummer
Roy Haynes) on three of the most difficult
Monk tunes ("Introspection," "Played Twice," and "Criss Cross") plus two
Cecil Taylor compositions and
Charlie Parker's "Donna Lee." ~ Scott Yanow