Originally released on the Hat Hut label in 1979, this 2-CD set of saxophonist Steve Lacy's quintet with Steve Potts on saxophone, Irene Aebi on cello, voice & violin, Kent Carter on bass, and Oliver Johnson on drums, are heard live in two tour-de-force concerts, first at the 1977 Jazz Festival, in Willisau, Switzerland, then in 1978 at Jazz Au Totem in Paris, France.
Format: 2 CDs Condition: New Released: 2018 Country: USA Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold CD 1 recorded at Jazz Festival, in Willisau, Switzerland, on August 27th, 1977, by Walter Troxler.
CD 2 recorded at Jazz Au Totem, Paris, France, February 22, 1978, by Philippe Quinsac.
Personnel:
Steve Lacy-soprano saxophone, Japanese bird whistle
"Originally released in 1979 as a double-LP on Hat Hut, Stamps was Steve Lacy's first for the legendary Swiss label, and it remains one of the strongest statements of what he termed the "scratchy seventies." With the classic lineup of Lacy's soprano saxophone, Steve Potts on soprano and alto sax, Irene Aebi on cello (and singing on one track), Kent Carter on bass, and Oliver Johnson on drums, the recording catches the band live, performing Lacy's angular, intervallic compositions, using arrangements that leave the rough patina, rather than buffing things to a smooth shine. This is the first time the important music has been reissued on CD, adding a bonus track, all remastered from the original tapes. The double-disc package sports a facsimile reproduction of the gorgeous artwork by Klaus Baumgärtner, with action photographs from the concerts on the interior. A must for Lacy fans and for anyone interested in creative music."-Corbett vs. Dempsey
"Steve Lacy and his quintet are well featured on this double LP which documents two appearances at European festivals. In addition to the soprano/leader, altoist Steve Potts has long been a commanding improviser in his own right and offers a constrasting yet complementary solo voice. Bassist Kent Carter and drummer Oliver Johnson are always alert during this complex music (seven Lacy scalar originals) while Irene Aebi (on cello, violin and occasional background vocal) is more of an acquired taste. Overall this set gives one a good example of Steve Lacy's late-'70s group and its distinctive music."-Scott Yanow, All Music