The Forest and the Zoo [live]

by Scott YanowDuring the mid-to-late '60s, soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy began to really free up his music and perform in avant-garde settings. This ESP CD (a straight reissue of the original LP) was recorded when Lacy was "stranded" in Buenos Aires, Argentina before he settled permanently in Europe. The adventurous quartet (which also includes trumpeter Enrico Rava, bassist Johnny Dyani and drummer Louis Moholo) performs two lengthy free improvisations (titled "Forest" and "Zoo") that contain their colorful moments along with wandering sections that meander a bit. Overall this date is probably more interesting from a historical standpoint than it is musically.