Jimmy Lyons

Lyons's playing which usually retained a strong influence from bebop pioneer Charlie Parker helped keep Tayor's often wildly avant garde music tethered to the jazz tradition. In 1961 he followed Archie Shepp into the saxophone role in the Cecil Taylor Unit. Jimmy Lyons (December 1 1931 – May 19 1986) was an alto saxophone player.

Lyons's playing which usually retained a strong influence from bebop pioneer Charlie Parker helped keep Tayor's often wildly avant garde music tethered to the jazz tradition. He is best known for his long tenure in the Cecil Taylor Unit being the only constant member of the pianist's group from the mid-1960s to his death after which Taylor never worked with another musician as frequently.