Oliver Lake

Oliver Lake is a highly acclaimed saxophonist known for his innovative and dynamic approach to music. With a career spanning nearly five decades, he has been a pivotal figure in the evolution of creative saxophone music. Lake co-founded the World Saxophone Quartet in 1977 alongside Julius Hemphill, David Murray, and Hamiet Bluiett, which became renowned for its unique blend of free jazz, R&B, funk, and South African influences. He has also been part of Trio 3, a group he formed with bassist Reggie Workman and drummer Andrew Cyrille, showcasing his versatility in avant-garde music. Lake's work extends beyond saxophone; he has composed for vocals, as seen in his album *JUSTICE – The Vocal Works of Oliver Lake*, where he explores the use of wordless tones to create a distinctive sound.

Lake's artistic scope is not limited to music; he has also been involved in poetry and visual arts, reflecting his background with the Black Artists Group, which he co-founded in the late 1960s. This group emphasized the integration of various art forms, including music, dance, and visual arts. Throughout his career, Lake has demonstrated a commitment to improvisation and creativity, often blending different musical styles to create something unique and impactful. His sons, Gene Lake and Jahi Sundance, also contribute to the musical landscape, with Gene being a jazz drummer and Jahi an accomplished DJ, highlighting the diverse musical influences within his family.

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