KIRK LIGHTSEY (pianist, bandleader) was born February 15, 1937 in Detroit, Michigan. Influenced by Hank Jones, Tommy Flanagan and as a teen Barry Harris, Lightsey’s early career was as sideman for R and B acts and Motown recordings. His first jazz recordings as sideman were with Chet Baker, whom he also appeared with on one of Baker’s final performances. As well as his appearances with Sonny Stitt, David Murray and Harold Land, he is perhaps best known for his five year stint with Dexter Gordon.