Steve Lacy

Bio:

Steve Lacy was an American soprano saxophonist and composer recognized as a leading figure in free jazz and improvisation. Born in New York City, United States, Lacy came to prominence in the 1950s as a Dixieland jazz musician before turning toward the avant-garde. In the 1960s, he became active in the emerging free jazz scene in Europe, where he performed as a soloist, led a long-running sextet, and engaged in collaborations with musicians, visual artists, poets, and dancers. Over the course of his career, which included extensive recording, performing, and teaching, Lacy maintained a consistent focus on the soprano saxophone, helping to establish it as a central instrument in contemporary jazz.