"When I first started playing music in 1955, there was just a small body of people that knew it. It was a very esoteric type of thing"

Steve Lacy's quote reviews the niche status of the music scene when he started his profession in 1955. This statement highlights the limited audience for particular genres or styles at that time, likely referencing jazz or progressive music, which Lacy was understood for. When Lacy discusses "a small body of individuals", he suggests that the music he was involved in was valued and understood by just a choose group of individuals. This exclusivity often defines esoteric forms of art, which appeal to connoisseurs who have a particular understanding or interest.

In the mid-20th century, jazz was undergoing significant transformations, branching into subgenres that challenged standard limits. As a soprano saxophonist, Lacy contributed to this movement. His work was carefully connected to the progressive scene, which was frequently misconstrued or overlooked by mainstream audiences. Using the word "esoteric" emphasizes the specialized and perhaps mystical nature of this music, viewed as abstract or non-traditional compared to popular music of the time.

The quote likewise records a sense of intimacy and connection within the neighborhood of musicians and aficionados who were drawn to this ingenious design. This little group shared a collective understanding and appreciation for the intricacies and subtleties of the music, which may have been unattainable to wider audiences.

Furthermore, Lacy's reflection from a later perspective may highlight the modifications in the music industry and public perception over the years. By the time he made this declaration, jazz had evolved and gained larger acknowledgment, yet Lacy nostalgically remembers a period when it was a carefully guarded trick of sorts.

Overall, Lacy's observation offers insight into his early experiences in the music market, highlighting the advancement of jazz and the function of specific niche neighborhoods in nurturing revolutionary art forms.