Though Steve Lacy has contributed a great deal to the development of soprano saxophone music during the latter half of this century, little has been written in detail with regard to his technical approach to the instrument prior to the release of this extremely well presented book with accompanying double CD of related material.
This is not a tutor for saxophone beginners and makes no reference to fingering positions, other than several alternatives for notes in the higher register. However there is a wealth of information of importance to players of all standards. This includes intonation, embouchure, study techniques, player relationships, dynamics, rhythm, free and structured improvisation.
Unlike a Teach Yourself book, Findings is presented in a very personal way, establishing the writer as being deeply involved in the project at hand. His enthusiasm for the creation of the music and for other players is established immediately and I would imagine that, in addition to prospective or established musicians, many non-players could find much of the written and recorded material interesting and enjoyable.
The recordings relate directly to the exercises and compositions in the book and include accompaniments for saxophonists. I also find them very interesting in their own right. Very, few musicians would be prepared to record certain of the exercises for general release. I think it is very good that Steve Lacy has done so. I’m sure that he has no wish to create an epidemic of Lacy clones, but by imparting his own findings in this way he helps others to search for themselves.
Findings – My Experience With The Soprano Saxophone, by Steve Lacy. Published by Editions Jazz, Outre Mesure, 33 rue Pascal, 75013 Paris. Tel 33 1 47 07 06 21. Fax 33 1 47 07 06 45
