AI Artists - Andy Laster

Andy Laster is a composer and saxophonist. His compositions are primarily performed by two ensembles, Hydra and Lessness. Hydra has released three CDs: Hydra, Polyogue and most recently, Soft Shell (Knitting Factory Records, 2000). The premiere Lessness CD was one of Billboard Magazine’s Top Ten Jazz Releases of 1997. In April 2001, the second Lessness CD—Window Silver Bright—was released on New World Records. Laster’s compositions also appear on two previous Sound Aspects CDs—Hippo Stomp and Twirler. He is a founding member of the collective ensemble New & Used, whose recordings include Souvenir and Consensus. Laster has performed and arranged for such diverse artists as Lyle Lovett, Julius Hemphill, Erik Friedlander, Mark Helias, Andrew Hill, Dave Douglas, Elliot Sharp, David Taylor, Bobby Previte and Satoko Fujii/Natsuki Tamura.