The Forest and the Zoo is the first live album by Steve Lacy and features a concert performance recorded on October 8, 1966 in Buenos Aires, Argentina by Lacy, Enrico Rava, Johnny Dvani and Louis Moholo. It was released on the ESP label in 1967.

Soprano saxophonist Steve Lacy’s impressive career was filled with many benchmarks, but 1966’s The Forest and the Zoo is surely one of his strongest.

While Lacy’s work is already well renowned, The Forest and the Zoo is a fine opportunity to hear him and one his strongest ensembles playing at the top of their game. Rather than the liberating spirituality sought after in so much free jazz Lacy’s unit remains light-hearted and whimsical, even as it soars above the ground below. [read more]

All compositions by Steve Lacy :  1. The Forest (20:07) / 2. The Zoo (20:07)

Line up:                                                                                                                                                             Steve Lacy – Soprano Saxophone / Enrico Rava – Trumpet /                                                                   Johnny Dyani – Bass / Louis Moholo – Drums