Steve Lacy

He died earlier this month. Lacy was considered "the foremost interpreter of Thelonius Monk" and in fact trained and performed with Monk when he was in his mid-20s. Lacy was also known as the "father of the modern soprano saxophone." (This interview first aired Nov. 20, 1997.)

Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. He's on a North American tour with his trio through the beginning of December. Lacy is considered "the foremost interpreter of Thelonius Monk" and in fact trained and performed with Monk when he was in his mid-20's. Lacy is also known as the "father of the modern soprano saxophone." He is known for his unmistakable sound, as well as being one of the most prolific sax players performing today.

Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy. He is midway through a rare U.S. tour. He now lives in Paris. His spans traditional jazz, including compositions by Thelonius Monk and more contemporary composers.

Fresh Air jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews two reissues featuring the late soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy — a live recording of a 1963 quartet that only played Thelonious Monk tunes, and later music for solo soprano. Monk was always Lacy's biggest influence.

Clarinetist Ben Goldberg is a key figure in the Bay Area improvisational scene, where he became known in the early 1990s as a member of the New Klezmer Trio.