Jimmy Lyons | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | James Lyons |
Born | Jersey City, New Jersey, US | December 1, 1931
Died | May 19, 1986 | (aged 54)
Genres | Jazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz |
Occupation | Musician |
Instrument | Alto saxophone |
Labels | Black Saint/Soul Note |
Jimmy Lyons (December 1, 1931 – May 19, 1986)[1] was an American alto saxophone player. He is best known for his long tenure in the Cecil Taylor Unit. Lyons was the only constant member of the band from the mid-1960s until his death. Taylor never worked with another musician as frequently as he did with Lyons. Lyons' playing, influenced by Charlie Parker, kept Taylor's avant-garde music tethered to the jazz tradition.[2]