 " Lisa 's Sax " is the third episode of The Simpsons ' ninth season . It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on October 19 , 1997 to overwhelmingly positive reviews . In the series ' sixth flashback episode , it is explained how Lisa got her saxophone . The episode was executive produced by Al Jean and Mike Reiss , and written by Reiss . The episode features the return of musician Phil Hartman , who portrays the character Troy McClure .

## Plot

Lisa is given a saxophone by her teacher, Mr. Lassen, who tells her to take lessons