Anthem (1989)

"On Anthem, Steve Lacy enhances his core sextet with trombone, percussion, and extra vocals, producing a wider array of sonic textures than heard on previous releases. And this comes as a bonus on top of a very strong set of Lacy compositions, the centerpiece of which is a commissioned work for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution called "Prelude and Anthem." This jauntily angular theme unfolds into a free-form, unison improvisation, with reeds, trombone, percussion, and piano continuously overlapping in vociferous interplay (the cacophonous collaboration at once debunking ceremony and evoking the revolution's communal spirit). Special mention must also be made of bassist Jean Jacques Avenel's mellifluous, West African-inspired number "J.J.'s Jam," which features him on the Malinese string instrument the kora. With more composition and performance highlights than most jazz albums ever muster, Anthem is essential listening for Lacy fans and all other adventurous listeners out there."(Allmusic)

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