Ralph Lalama

An excellent if underrated tenor saxophonist who often sounds straight from the prime years of Blue Note (most influenced by Hank Mobley and Sonny Rollins), Ralph Lalama has been a valuable soloist on many records. Born to a drummer and a singer, Lalama has been a part of the New York jazz scene since the 1970s. He became a permanent member of the Village Vanguard Orchestra in 1983 (when it was still co-led by Thad Jones and Mel Lewis), was a member of the Metropolitan Bopera House (later the Danny D'Imperio Sextet), and has led several excellent sessions for the Criss Cross label. ~ Scott Yanow