description Byard Lancaster Overview
Byard Lancaster was an American free jazz saxophonist and flautist born in 1942, closely associated with the avant-garde jazz movement. Based primarily in Philadelphia, he was an active collaborator with prominent experimental musicians, including Bill Dixon and Sunny Murray, starting in the 1960s. Lancaster was known for his versatile multi-instrumentalism and remained a dedicated figure in creative music until his passing in 2012.
help Byard Lancaster FAQ
What instruments did Byard Lancaster play?
Byard Lancaster played alto saxophone and flute and became known for his work in American free jazz and avant-garde jazz. He was born in Philadelphia in 1942 and remained closely connected to the city's music community. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/byard-lancaster-mn0000526100)
Which Byard Lancaster recordings are useful starting points?
His leader debut, It's Not Up to Us, appeared in 1968 on the Vortex label and featured Sonny Sharrock. Live at Macalester College from 1973 is another important recording associated with Lancaster's hard-edged saxophone and flute work. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/byard-lancaster-mn0000526100) [It's Not Up to Us](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It%27s_Not_Up_to_Us)
Which major musicians worked with Byard Lancaster?
His collaborators included drummer Sunny Murray, composer and trumpeter Bill Dixon, Sun Ra, McCoy Tyner, and Khan Jamal. Lancaster also co-founded the Philadelphia avant-jazz-funk collective Sounds of Liberation with Jamal. [AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/byard-lancaster-mn0000526100)
Why is Philadelphia important to Byard Lancaster's career?
Lancaster was born in Philadelphia's Germantown section and continued to work from the city even after spending time in New York's free-jazz scene. He died on August 23, 2012, after a career that included both international avant-garde work and Philadelphia-based projects. [Byard Lancaster biography](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byard_Lancaster) [Philharmonie de Paris](https://mediatheque.philharmoniedeparis.fr/1007028-byard-lancaster.aspx)
explore Explore More
Reviews & Comments
Write a Review
Be the first to review
Share your thoughts with the community and help others make better decisions.
