Steve Lacy : Duets: Associates

  Bobby Few - Piano
  Derek Bailey - Guitar
  George Lewis - Trombone
  Irene Aebi - Vocals, Spoken Word
  Mal Waldron - Piano
  Masahiko Togashi - Percussion
  Roswell Rudd - Trombone
  Steve Lacy - Sax (Soprano)
  Steve Potts - Sax (Alto), Sax (Soprano)

Each of these ten tracks feature Steve Lacy in duo performances. Compiled by the soprano saxophonist, and not released until 1997, there are highlights galore throughout, making this an essential recording for any admirer of Lacy's work. Each tune (most of which were composed by Lacy ) features him with a different partner, including trombonists Roswell Rudd and George Lewis ; percussionists Muhammad Ali and Masahiko Togashi ; pianists Ulrich Gumpert, Bobby Few, and Mal Waldron ; guitarist Derek Bailey ; saxophonist Steve Potts ; and vocalist Irene Aebi. While the sound is slightly subpar, the music is uniformly superb and showcases Lacy in some of his most creative and exuberant collaborations. While the material is often familiar, the results surprise and even startle, though in Lacy's inimitably tasteful way. ~ Steve Loewy, All Music Guide