Biography
Born in 1961, alto and baritone saxophonist Andy Laster spent his formative years on Long Island and pursued jazz studies at Seattle’s Cornish Institute prior to relocating to New York City in 1985. His debut album, Hippo Stomp, appeared on Sound Aspects in 1989, followed by two additional releases on the same imprint: Twirler in 1990 and the self-titled Hydra disc in 1994, the latter marking an enduring ensemble project. Throughout the 1990s Laster established himself as a distinctive presence within the New York downtown music scene that also propelled the careers of Dave Douglas, Tim Berne, and John Zorn. Songlines issued Polyogue, Hydra’s second recording, in 1995; the label next presented a Lessness album in 1997, with Soft Shell arriving three years afterward. Alongside leadership of these ensembles, Laster contributed to Orange Then Blue, New and Used, Erik Friedlander’s Topaz, the Julius Hemphill Sextet, the Pink Noise Saxophone Quartet, Bobby Previte’s Weather Clear, Track Fast, and Ballin’ the Jack, while also collaborating with Mark Helias, Hank Roberts’ Birds of Prey, and Lyle Lovett. In his jazz-rooted compositions he forged an individual approach that incorporates procedures drawn from contemporary classical chamber music, placing densely notated sections either behind or in dialogue with improvising soloists. Though intricate, the resulting works remain open-textured, rhythmically flexible, and emotionally direct, attracting listeners attuned to refined modern jazz and inventive improvisation. On the 2011 Tzadik release Riptide he shifted fully into modern classical territory, functioning solely as composer for pieces scored for configurations that range from solo piano to trios; the trio works were captured at New York City’s Roulette in 2010 and 2011.
Albums
