In Concert

Personnel: Kent Carter (double bass); Andrea Centazzo (drum set, percussion); Steve Lacy (soprano saxophone).
Liner Note Author: Andrea Centazzo.
Recording information: Udine, Italy (12/05/1976).
Editor: Andrea Centazzo.
Photographer: Andrea Centazzo.
Devoted Lacy fans will recognize most of the vintage tunes from this collection of originals performed by this outstanding trio in which the soprano saxophonist is joined by then-regular collaborator bassist Kent Carter and Italian percussionist and organizer Andrea Centazzo. Originally released on LP as Trio Live, this reissue adds a couple of tracks that add immeasurably to the length and importance of In Concert. The year 1976 was a good one for Lacy, who recorded some of his best albums, such as the hard to find solo recording Hooky and the captivating and seminal Trickles, the latter with Roswell Rudd on trombone and Carter once more on bass. Carter is in splendid form on In Concert, as he takes advantage of extended solo space to mirror Lacy in the ability to express himself seemingly effortlessly, even if he is more aggressive than usual. As with the saxophonist, Carter's rich tone and poised delivery make it sound so easy that his superb and highly disciplined, if modest, technical virtuosity might easily be overlooked. The superb sound quality magnifies the strength and breadth of the heads, which are stamped with the Lacy nomenclature. What distinguishes the recording, though, is the sense of wonder, a rawness sometimes missing from Lacy's more polished later works. From the first tune, "Bone (Tao 3)," the soprano saxophonist's bold voice pierces through the cloudlike layers emblazoned by drums and acoustic bass. "Stalks" is another treat, as the wildly squeaking, squawking Lacy burns with unmitigated passion, while Centazzo stays the course. The percussionist plays a smaller role on this disc than on some of the others in which he performs with the soprano saxophonist, satisfied with a supportive though nonetheless important role. Overall, this is a solid outing and an important part of Lacy's discography, notable for his exuberant, self-confident, upbeat, and consistently impressive playing. ~ Steven Loewy