Jimmy Lyons (December 1, 1931 - May 19, 1986) was an alto saxophone player best known for his long tenure in the Cecil Taylor Unit, where he began playing in 1961 and continued for the remaider of his career. Lyons work independent of Taylor, documented in a recently released 5 cd box set, is underrecognized. Through the 70s and 80s he maintained his own band, playing loft and club gigs in New York City.