Dive into the world of avant-garde jazz with Steve Lacy's "Let's Call This... Esteem," a captivating live album recorded at the Playhouse Theatre in Oxford during the 1993 Oxford Playhouse Jazz Festival. This album is a testament to Lacy's mastery of the soprano saxophone, paired with the brilliant piano work of Mal Waldron. The duo's chemistry is palpable throughout the ten tracks, each one a unique blend of free jazz, hard bop, and avant-garde elements.
The album kicks off with an introduction by Lol Coxhill, setting the stage for a performance that is as much a conversation as it is a concert. From the dreamy "Monk's Dream" to the introspective "In a Sentimental Mood," and the upbeat "Johnny Come Lately," each song offers a different facet of Lacy and Waldron's musical prowess. The album also features a rendition of Thelonious Monk's "Epistrophy," showcasing the duo's deep respect for jazz tradition while pushing its boundaries.
"Let's Call This... Esteem" is a live document of a remarkable performance, capturing the energy and spontaneity of a live jazz concert. The album's duration of over an hour and a half allows for a deep immersion into the world of these two jazz giants, making it a valuable addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection. The album was released on the Slam Productions label and is available on CD and all digital platforms.
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