Give It Up

The late alto saxophonist Jimmy Lyons was a genuinely great musician, one who quietly spent nearly his entire professional career in service to another genuinely great musician, Cecil Taylor. As a result, Lyons's reputation isn't nearly commensurate with his extraordinary ability.

In the company of the most formidable of colleagues, Lyons not only held his own, but maintained his unique voice. Essentially a radical lyricist, Lyons reconfigured the lessons of Charlie Parker with a nod to Ornette Coleman. "Give It Up" is one of only a handful of albums Lyons made in his relatively short lifetime. Indifferently recorded, it is nevertheless crucial jazz listening. The title tune consists of a simple three note motif repeated quickly and followed by a swirl of notes, played by the unusual frontline combination of alto, trumpet, and bassoon. This bare-bones material gives way to bassist Jay Oliver, who sets up a propulsive bass line a la Charlie Haden. Drummer Paul Murphy frantically creates a splashy cymbal pattern that ties into what Oliver is playing, and that's all Lyons needs to construct his solo. He is able to play with great logic and speed, developing long lines that are echoed by Enrico Rava's trumpet and Karen… read more »