Frank Lacy - Live at Smalls (2026) [Hi-Res]

One of the greatest albums we've ever heard from trombonist Frank Lacy -- an artist who hardly ever takes the spotlight as a leader, but who really shines at the helm of this amazing set! The group has a depth of feeling that takes us back to some of Lacy's more spiritual projects of previous years -- but they also swing with the solid, soulful groove of the best of the Smalls Live series -- a perfect balance between Frank's arrangements and larger musical ideas, and all the spontaneous energy of the musicians in the venue! Players include Josh Evans on trumpet, Stacy Dillard on tenor, Theo Hill on piano, Rashaan Carter on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums -- and tracks are all nice and long, in the best Smalls spirit.

"This recording is fun, because it renders the raw unfiltered truth of the live Smalls experience. It is not one of the label’s best efforts. Emerging players Dillard and Evans possess chops and promise. But they operate at one unrelenting level throughout, with little pacing or contrast, trying to make art by sheer force. On the two tracks where Dillard plays soprano saxophone, he is all over the place, and careens into familiar devices. Lacy, the elder statesman here, is a trombonist with a long left-of-center résumé. He makes the odd decision to take a backseat on his own album. On two tunes he does not solo at all. When he does enter the fray, he is usually brief and often perfunctory. On his own “Spirit Monitor,” he simply recycles the melody. Even on the best track, a wild charge through Freddie Hubbard’s “The Intrepid Fox,” Lacy sounds tentative and gives up after one minute." (jazztimes.com)

Frank Lacy, trombone
Josh Evans, trumpet
Stacy Dillard, tenor saxophone
Theo Hill, piano
Rashaan Carter, double bass
Kush Abadey, drums