American jazz trombonist
Frank Lacy |
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| Also known as | Ku-umba Frank Lacy |
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| Born | (1958-08-09) August 9, 1958 (age 65)
Houston, Texas, U.S. |
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| Genres | Jazz |
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| Occupation(s) | Musician, composer, vocalist |
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| Instrument(s) | Trombone, trumpet, tuba, euphonium |
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| Years active | 1970–present |
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| Labels | Tutu |
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| Website | www.franklacy.com |
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Musical artist
Frank Lacy (born August 9, 1958, Houston, Texas) is an American jazz trombonist who has spent many years as a member of the Mingus Big Band.
Career
Lacy's father was a teacher who played guitar with Arnett Cobb, Illinois Jacquet, and Eddie Cleanhead Vinson. His mother was a gospel singer.[1] When Lacy was eight, he started learning piano. In his teens, he played trumpet, tuba, and euphonium before switching to trombone.[2] He got a degree in physics from Texas Southern University. In 1979, he went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, studying trombone and composition. His classmates included Branford Marsalis, Greg Osby, and Marvin Smith.[1][3]
Lacy moved to New York City in 1981. In 1986, he played with Illinois Jacquet's big band, and a couple years later he was musical director for Art Blakey. He released his first album as a band leader in 1991 with his father on guitar.[3] He has also worked with Lester Bowie, Marty Ehrlich, Michael Formanek, Slide Hampton, Roy Hargrove, Rufus Reid, Henry Threadgill, Steve Turre, McCoy Tyner, and Bobby Watson. He has spent over twenty years as a member of the Mingus Big Band.[4]
