CHARLES LLOYD QUARTET
Charles Lloyd, is an NEA Jazz Master and recipient of the prestigious French honor, l’Ordre Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. Voted DownBeat magazine’s Artist of the Year in 1967, Charles Lloyd was again voted Artist of the Year in 2023. And in 2024 he was honored with a rare DownBeat Critic’s Poll quadruple crown; Hall of Fame, Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Tenor Saxophonist of the Year–John Coltrane being the only other artist to receive that honor. Lloyd has a legendary history in the music world, and could certainly be in a position to slow down and rest on his laurels. The depth of his expression reflects a lifetime of experience. But looking back has never been of great interest to this tender warrior; “Go forward,” is his motto, as he keeps shifting to a higher, well calibrated gear.
In 1956 Lloyd moved to Los Angeles and graduated from the University of Southern California. During this period Lloyd played in Gerald Wilson’s big band, and formed his own group that included Billy Higgins, Don Cherry, Bobby Hutcherson, Scott LaFaro, and Terry Trotter. Lloyd joined Chico Hamilton in 1960. His influence as a composer quickly pushed the group in a more progressive post-bop direction when Hamilton asked him to be the group’s “music director.” In 1964 Lloyd left Hamilton’s group to join alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley. He recorded two albums as a leader for Columbia Records, Discovery and Of Course, Of Course; his sidemen included Gabor Szabo, Don Friedman, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, and Pete La Roca. In 1965 Lloyd formed a quartet with pianist, Keith Jarrett, bassist, Cecil McBee, drummer, Jack DeJohnette. It was a meeting of straight-ahead post-bop, Free jazz, rock, and world music. Their music quickly caught the attention of jazz fans and critics. They achieved crossover success with young rock fans and became the first jazz group to play in the famed Fillmore. The album Forest Flower, Live at Monterey, sold over one million copies.
The Quartet
Charles Lloyd ~ Saxophone
Bill Frisell ~ Guitar
Larry Grenadier ~ Bass
Kweku Sumbry ~ Drums
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