In 1965, when Charles Lloyd recorded his first album, “Dream Weaver” (Atlantic Records), as a leader he was already acknowledged as a rising star. His group at the time—pianist Keith Jarrett, bassist Cecil McBee and the drummer Jack DeJohnette—were a young, volcanic force in the midst of erupting its creative lava all over the jazz world, the band included
Their second album, “Forest Flower: Charles Lloyd at Monterey” (Atlantic, 1966), was a live performance that mesmerized the California audience. The title cut (side one), as well as the remaining tunes, swayed like a river, each musician having a definitive voice that echoes today as a legendary album that is required listening for fans and musicians.
“Forest Flower” is a mixture of straight-ahead jazz that roars into a far out monster flower as the soon-to-be jazz stars bring it to a mellow ending. The music is improvisational verse fused with rich harmonies and a taste of world music. What a ride with Lloyd on tenor saxophone and flute and Jarrett playing the keys and plucking the inner strings, with the intuitive weaving of McBee and DeJohnette. “Forest Flower” was one of the first jazz recordings to sell a million copies, and the quartet was the first jazz group to appear at the famed Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco.
Fifty years after his immergence and impact on the jazz world, Lloyd returns to Gotham for one of his rare appearances Jan. 29 and 30 at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Appel Room (60th Street and Broadway) for two shows each night at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
The 2015 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master will continue his musical exploration with his unique group the Marvels, featuring noted guitarists Bill Frisell and Greg Leisz, and his favorite quartet partners, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland. Together they have a way of offering dynamic musical ideas that move with exciting riffs and open melodies.
Last year he signed with Blue Note Records (his former label from over 30 years ago) to record “Wild Man Dance,” a live recording of a longform suite commissioned by the Jazztopad Festival (Wrocĺaw, Poland in 2013).
Earlier this month, Lloyd and the Marvels released their second Blue Note release, “I Long to See You.” This is a collection of 10 songs that range from traditional hymns to anti-war folk protests to re-envisioned Lloyd originals from his earlier recordings such as “Sombrero Sam” and “Of Course Of Course.”
Whenever Lloyd performs, he makes jazz history. He continues his early reputation for forming definitive small groups. There is a free pre-concert discussion, nightly, at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For tickets, call 212-721-6500 or visit www.jazz.org.
Brooklyn hasn’t lost its panache for great jazz. Feb. 4, the borough will welcome the New Cookers to the Dweck Center at the Grand Army Plaza Library (7:30 p.m.) for a free concert. The group’s name is taken from trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and his all-star lineup, which recorded the legendary 1965 live album set “The Night of the Cookers” (Blue Note, 1965) at Brooklyn’s then-popular Club La Marchal.
The New Cookers is a well-rounded quintet of adventurous musicians that features the trumpeter Kenyatta Beasley (Saturday Night Live Band, Frank Foster, Wynton Marsalis), saxophonist Keith Loftis (Abdullah Ibrahim, Nancy Wilson and Alvin Baptiste), pianist Anthony Wonsey (Freddie Hubbard, Nicholas Payton and Wallace Roney), bassist Ben Williams (Grammy-winning bandleader, composer) and drummer E.J. Strickland (bandleader, Russell Malone and Ravi Coltrane).
Some of the original members of this ongoing collaboration, which began in 2003, includes Robert Glasper, Richie Goods, Helen Sung, Keyon Harrold, Linda Oh and Marcus Strickland.
For more information, call 718-230-2100 or visit brownpapertickets.com.
Bassist, composer and arranger Mickey Bass doesn’t play in his hometown of New York enough for real jazz enthusiasts. As a native of Harlem, he is more than a premiere bassist, he is a walking jazz historian full of facts and insightful tidbits.
The Mickey Bass New York Powerhouse will converge for one night only at Dizzy’s Jazz Club on Feb. 4 for two sets at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. The Powerhouse features vibraphonist Steve Nelson; alto saxophonist Brent Birkhead; tenor saxophonist Charles Davis Jr.; and drummer Mark Johnson.
Bass cut his chops during stints with Art Blakey, Lee Morgan and Sonny Rollins. This was back in the day when clubs lined the blocks of Harlem and the Bronx was a happening for serious gigs. Bass is a straight-ahead force with bebop tendencies to keep audiences tuned and in the moment.
This will be Bass’ debut appearance at Dizzy’s and he will pull out all the stops as he demonstrates what he learned from the masters over the years, including his ability as skillful band leader. Bass didn’t name the ensemble the Powerhouse for nothing, so hold on tight—it’s going to be a swinging ride. For tickets, call 212-258-9595 or visit www.jazz.org/dizzys.