Prince Lasha

Biography

Prince Lasha was an American multi-instrumentalist known for his inventive work in the free and avant-garde jazz movements. A childhood friend of *Ornette Coleman* in Fort Worth, Texas, Lasha became a key figure on the West Coast scene. His primary partnership was with alto saxophonist *Sonny Simmons*, with whom he recorded the seminal albums 'The Cry!' for #Contemporary Records# in 1962 and 'Firebirds' in 1967. Lasha's expressive and often blues-inflected playing on flute, alto and baritone saxophone, and clarinet provided a distinct voice. He also notably recorded with modern jazz giants like *Eric Dolphy* and as part of a sextet led by *Elvin Jones* and *Jimmy Garrison*.