Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

September 14, 1942 in Marianna, AR

 

Oliver Lake is a renowned American jazz saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. He was born on September 14, 1942, in Marianna, Arkansas, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. Lake's musical journey began at an early age when he started playing the clarinet in his school band. He later switched to the alto saxophone, which became his primary instrument. Lake's interest in music continued to grow, and he went on to study music at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. After completing his studies, he moved to New York City in 1972, where he became an active member of the city's vibrant jazz scene. Lake's career took off in the 1970s when he co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet with David Murray, Julius Hemphill, and Hamiet Bluiett. The quartet was known for its innovative approach to jazz, incorporating elements of free jazz, funk, and world music. The group released several critically acclaimed albums, including "Steppin' With The World Saxophone Quartet" and "Requiem for Julius." In addition to his work with the World Saxophone Quartet, Lake also led his own groups, including the Oliver Lake Quintet and the Organ Quartet. He has collaborated with numerous jazz musicians, including Anthony Braxton, Don Cherry, and Roscoe Mitchell. Lake's music is characterized by his unique style of improvisation, which blends elements of avant-garde jazz with traditional African-American musical forms. He is also known for his use of extended techniques on the saxophone, such as multiphonics and circular breathing. Throughout his career, Lake has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to jazz music. In 1993, he was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in music composition. He has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York Foundation for the Arts. Lake's music has been featured in several films and television shows, including Spike Lee's "Mo' Better Blues" and the HBO series "The Wire." He has also composed music for dance and theater productions, including works by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company. In addition to his work as a musician, Lake is also an educator. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City. Lake continues to perform and record music to this day. His most recent album, "The Chase," was released in 2019 and features his Organ Quartet. He remains a vital force in the world of jazz, known for his innovative approach to the saxophone and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.

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