Byard Lancaster, RIP
Byard Lancaster, the prolific Philadelphia jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist known for his avant-garde work and his successful battles with SEPTA to be able to play his music on subway concourses, died on Thursday.
Byard Lancaster, RIP
Dan DeLuca, Inquirer Music Critic
Byard Lancaster, the prolific Philadelphia jazz saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist known for his avant-garde work in the early 1970s and more recently, his successful battles with SEPTA to be able to play his music on subway concourses, died on Thursday after a battle with cancer. He was 70.
The obituary from Saturday's Inquirer is here. Vibes player Khan Jamal said on Friday: "He was a damn good player. He could do everything. From avant-garde to funk to straight jazz. And in music, you have guys who are takers and guys who were givers. He was a giver."
Below, a day in Lancaster's life in 2008, from the Zion Baptist Church in North Philadelphia to playing the National Anthem at the Sixers game.
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I'm really sorry to hear this. I saw Mr. Lancaster sit in with Johnny Clyde Copeland and his Texas Blues Band at the North Star Bar back in the 90's. But the time I will always remember is I was taking my 7 year old son to the Phillies 2008 World Series parade and we just exited the train at Suburban Station and we heard this music coming from nearby and it was Mr. Lancaster playing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" on his sax. It was a really magical moment. God Bless Byard Lancaster, and thanks for the music. RIP— BobbyD- I remember him playing in the Suburban Station concourse as well. It was always fun and joyful, I was recently noticing that I hadn't seen him in a while. He is missed.
RIP— J Mac - Burt Lancaster died? I didn't realize he was still alive.— Mr. Barffington
- Byard and his brother Bert were two of the truly generous humanitarians proud to call Philly "home." I'm so hurt to see this brother leave for home; but heartened by his legacy of giving through his teaching and genuine love for all. May God forgive his sins and grant him and his family everlasting peace.....amen.— Maceo
- Really sorry to hear this. He used to play with Sun Ra, another of this city's departed jazz masters. Au revoir.— Middle_Class
- Rest in Paradise my brother. Your Germantown bud and high school friend. Ron Jones— atlron
- Had the honor of meeting Mr. Lancaster in a music store in Roxborough a few years ago. He walked in from the sidewalk playing beautifully out loud and everyone knew who he was, but he didn't expect any special treatment. The man.— person
- Possibly the greatest woodwind player Philadelphia ever produced, apologies to Mr. Pope. Humble, irreverent, friendly and most importantly, awesome. Byard always brought it, and always got it. One of a kind. His shows at Tritone were legendary. My sincere condolences to his family. He is, and really has been, missed, and it was an honor to have known him. Philadelphia should be flying flags at half mast. At the very least.— sjensen
- rest in peace. philly is well repped in jazz , and the legacy lives on ....thanks for the memories.— james bond
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