Steve Lacy
Reflections

★★★★

One of Steve Lacy's earlier recordings as a leader, and it really shines. Firstly the lineup is pretty impressive: Mal Waldron on piano, a prior-to-meeting-Coltrane Elvin Jones, and the very versatile Buell Neidlinger. Not to mention Lacy as saxophonist, and more importantly one of the first to truly record a whole album on soprano. 

Secondly: these are all Monk compositions preformed extremely well; Lacy helps break it down almost to a science. And I'm happy that he made good of use of some of the lesser known Monk compositions. While not as wildly popular as "'Round Midnight", I think these songs show his wittiness and humor. 

Opening with "Four in One" was a great choice, and is probably the most fun and flavorful tune on the first side. It's catchy and clever, and Lacy really owns it with that soprano. Throughout this whole album as well, you can hear Elvin Jones putting color and focus into the whole studio. The whole rhythm section actually serves more than its purpose on this album; bringing a real warmth and personality that really compliments Lacy. 

I do prefer the second side of the LP however with songs like "Ask Me Now" and "Skippy". "Ask Me Now" is a very beautiful loving ballad that focuses on the playing of the piano and saxophone. And it is really a welcome song that serves as a break before the end, while also showing Monk's ability to create straightforwardly emotional tunes. I do have to say that "Skippy" is my favorite, as it combines all of the qualities you could ever want in any work from Monk. I really wonder what he thought about this album, if he even heard it. 

Favorite Song: Skippy

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