Steve Lacy - Momentum (Novus, 1987)

This post is by Dan

Steve Lacy (ss, tmb); Steve Potts (as, ss, tmb); Bobby Few (p); Jean-Jacques Avenel (b); Oliver Johnson (dr); Irène Aebi (vo, vn, vc)

Recorded May 20-22, 1987

Among all of his enormous discography, Steve Lacy's Momentum is one my favorites. It was his first album on an American label since 1967, and it probably reached more people than his numerous recordings on European labels. It was followed by two more Novus releases - The Door (1989), and Anthem (1990). Kudos to Novus for recording Momentum in Paris, which enabled the full sextet to make the gig.

An American expatriate since 1970, Lacy became the nucleus of the Parisian jazz scene where he was inspired by visual artists, poets, and writers. Parisians treated jazz as art and jazz musicians as artists. 

What I like about Momentum is the sheer brio and clarity that everyone brings to the four numbers. My favorite Lacy song is "The Bath," which opens the album and clocks in at just over 13 minutes. It lopes along with a deceptively simple swagger and contains first-rate solos from the principals of the sextet. "Art" follows with a lovely poem recited over the band by singer Irène Aebi, followed by a beautifully delicate instrumental conclusion. The title tune was composed for this recording date and is dedicated to fellow expatriate, drummer Kenny Clarke. Aebi is featured on violin along with Oliver Johnson on drums. The final number, "The Song," gives full reign to the whole band, including a long vocal section before pianist Bobby Few leads off the solos. 

I've grown to appreciate and enjoy Aebi's singing, which Robert Palmer describes in his liner notes as "unselfconsciously European." Think of a slightly brusquer Edith Piaf. Aebi was born in Switzerland and was married to Lacy. She differs stylistically from most American jazz vocalists. She's neither cool (like Chris Connor) nor soulful (like Sarah Vaughan). I think it's a great lesson to hear jazz singers from other cultures and traditions. She's an integral part of Lacy's sextet and is on full display on Momentum.