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Charles Lloyd is the only remaining member of the talented group of American saxophonists in the 1950s, which included his friends John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman, as well as the now-retired Sonny Rollins. He once shared that fellow saxophonist and free-jazz pioneer, Ornette Coleman, had complimented his playing in 1956 but reminded him that technique is not the only important aspect of music. Lloyd has spent his career exploring the emotions and messages within music, evident in his voice-like sound and ability to beautifully connect with his ensemble in each new album.
The album “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow” will be released on Lloyd’s 86th birthday, March 15th. It features a stellar lineup, including pianist and composer Jason Moran, bassist Larry Grenadier, and drummer Brian Blade. The opening track, “Defiant, Tender Warrior,” sets a mesmerizing tone with gentle waves of piano, deep bass notes, and delicate snare patterns. Lloyd’s tenor saxophone adds rich tones and soaring melodies. Another track, “Monk’s Dance,” pays tribute to the legendary pianist and composer with Moran’s dynamic piano playing and Lloyd’s playful sax solo.
The melody of the flute is delightful, especially in the harmonious piece “Late Bloom,” and the saxophone creates stunningly beautiful soundscapes in “The Lonely One,” the impressionistic tribute to Billie Holiday titled “The Ghost of Lady Day,” and Lloyd’s rendition of the spiritual “There is a Balm in Gilead,” which he previously explored with Billy Higgins on the 2000 album “The Water Is Wide.” Lloyd is fully aware that he is nearing the end of his illustrious career, as he recently mentioned to Jazzwise, “I’m in the final stages of my journey now.” But one would never guess it from the radiant light and joy emanating from this music.
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Additionally, available this month.
Renowned American saxophonist, Chris Potter, teams up with a superb group consisting of pianist Brad Mehldau and former Wayne Shorter bass and drum partners, John Patitucci and Brian Blade, to release their album Eagle’s Point (Edition). The album showcases the fusion of traditional post-bop jazz elements with the improvisational skills of these talented musicians. From Potter’s skillfully fast-paced solos to Mehldau’s seamless shifts in rhythm on the title track, and the emotive soprano ballad, Aria for Anna, the album is a testament to their musical prowess. In her recent album, Inside Colours Live (Jazzwerkstatt), UK pianist and composer Julie Sassoon presents recorded performances of her duo collaborations with saxophonist and partner, Lothar Ohlmeier, as well as their new trio project with their 18-year-old daughter, Mia Ohlmeier, on drums. Saxophonist Mark Lockheart, known for his work with Loose Tubes and Polar Bear, introduces a new band featuring fellow Empirical member, Nathaniel Facey, and trumpeter Laura Jurd on his latest release, Smiling (Edition). The album offers a seamless blend of lyrical melodies and exhilarating jazz-rock vibes.
Source: theguardian.com
