Lyle ate science for breakfast

[ STEVE SWALLOW ]

What made Lyle such a special musician?

Lyle made tonal music surprising.  He worked staunchly within the system of harmony that has existed in Western music for centuries, and, at a time when some thought that system has exhausted itself, Lyle found endless ways to surprise and delight.  Proof of the adage that the devil’s in the details. 

As a pianist, how would you describe Lyle's approach on the acoustic piano?

Touch!  Lyle’s phrases had a graceful, legato feel and shape to them that defied the piano’s membership in the percussion family.  You could hear him breathe as he played.

In regards to playing synths/keyboards, what do you think is Lyle's greatest accomplishment regarding those instruments?

Every player works to get a beautiful sound (and Lyle’s sound on the acoustic piano is exemplary).  Electronic instruments have necessitated a rethinking of technique, as sound on synths is in no way the product of touch or embouchure.  Synth sound derives from applying a deep understanding of some pretty arcane science - algorithms and the like.  Lyle ate science for breakfast.

Lyle played on your album “Home” - can you share your impressions of playing with him on that date?

Lyle overdubbed his parts on “Home” in an afternoon, the day after the rest of us had played and sung.  I had almost nothing to say about what he played, just stood by in amazement as he added his parts, many in a single take.  I’ve seldom heard the line between composition and improvisation so thoroughly erased.