JAZZ MASTER

Recently at the Dakota Jazz Club, I had the distinct pleasure of renewing an old acquaintance. As it turns out I was feeling a bit ennui, and in need of something special. Something special did come, in the form of Charles Lloyd, and his New Quartet. Our visit left me happy, mellow and optimistic, as his shows were decidedly warm and relaxed, and so responded the audience.
 
The new CD "MIRROR" by Charles Lloyd's New Quartet is like a visit from a lofty old friend-warm and familiar, with a bag full of new snaps. Always the Master of composition, Lloyd's-tenor sax and flute- have not forgotten the employment of improvisation as he (and band mates Jason Moran-piano, Rueben Rogers-bass, and Eric Harland -drums) gave a mesmerizing performances at the Dakota Jazz Club, in Minneapolis-

Charles Lloyd is also a master of continuation, of musical continuation-like well balanced seasons he tends to run on cycles;  in 1964 Lloyd serviced the Adderly brothers (Cannonball and Nat) on their '64 release "Come Sunday" (Lloyd played tenor)-fast forward to 1970's California-the Beach Boys with whom he toured and wrote-hence the connection: Brian Wilson's "Carolyn, No" featured currently on "MIRROR" .-continue on, fast forward -voted album of the year in the Critics and Reader's polls of Jazz Times for their live recording of "Rabo de Nube"-if you haven't heard it you need to catch up!

But if we stick to the here and now, Now is the sound of jazz in "MIRROR". As quiet as it’s kept, old masters need inspiration too! Lloyd seems to draw that inspiration, in the studio and live from his New Quartet.

Lloyd easily winds us through the halls of Thelonius "Monk's Mood", to a beautifully obscure Brian Wilson song "Caroline, No". Lloyd re-waxes and buffs the traditional "Lift Every Voice and Sing" over and above any pride stirring version you've ever heard.

A subliminally haunting version of "I Fall In Love Too Easily" is a must listen. Lloyd's original compositions "Being and Becoming", "Desolation Sound”, "Mirror", and "Tagi" are proof certain that Lloyd has followed his spiritual Master's (Higgins) insistence and Kept his creative eye on the task he was given -
  (To Lloyd) a "Master" of music quoting his Master of spirituality:
  “We must continue to work on this music".
 
On his September 30th appearance Lloyd and company gave an artistically, as well as, a spiritually inspiring show. With tenor sax and flute Lloyd glided through time and emotion, as his band balanced his every passage. Equal to his spirited and facile saxophone was the eloquence of Lloyd's voice in spoken word pieces. Lloyd displayed the spiritual dexterity of one who has studied music, and learned life.

The audience was treated to the New Quartet's musical confession-we repented-and at the end-we all felt much better than when we arrived! The ease, at which Lloyd delivers his music and spirituality, leaves those of us, who live in a desert of the less spiritual, - elevated, and wanting one more sip of Lloyd's inspiration.

To channel a wise one's quote to Lloyd; "We must continue to work on this music"-Lloyd indeed has continued to work on his music, and as Charles Lloyd continues to work...we continue to be fascinated.
 
  RE
 
Pick up and review Charles Lloyd-New Quartet's "Mirror"- just released!

Background image by Salvatore Vuono http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659