Information AboutCharles Lloyd |
|
Lloyd was born in Memphis, Tennessee . From an early age, he was immersed in that city's rich musical life and was exposed to jazz. He began playing the saxophone at the age of 9 and took lessons from pianist Phineas Newborn . One of his close friends was trumpeter Booker Little . Lloyd became a sideman in the Blues bands of B. B. King , Howlin' Wolf , Bobby "Blue" Bland and others. In 1956 Lloyd moved to Los Angeles and earned a music degree from the University Of Southern California . That city's fertile music scene included Buddy Collette , Ornette Coleman , Eric Dolphy , Don Cherry , Charlie Haden , Billy Higgins and others. During this period Lloyd played in the big band of Gerald Wilson . From 1960 to 1963 Lloyd played in the band of drummer Chico Hamilton and became its musical director. Though the band was known for playing " Chamber Jazz " at the beginning of Lloyd's tenure, his influence as a composer and a player quickly pushed it in a more progressive Post-bop direction. Lloyd's key musical partner in the band was guitarist Gabor Szabo . In 1964 Lloyd left Hamilton's group to play with alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley . During this period he recorded two albums as a leader for Columbia Records ; his sidemen were other young musicians including Herbie Hancock , Ron Carter and Tony Williams . In 1966 Lloyd formed a quartet with pianist Keith Jarrett , bassist Cecil McBee , and drummer Jack DeJohnette , and producer George Avakian signed Lloyd to a contract with Atlantic Records . The quartet's music was an interesting fusion of straight-ahead post-bop, Free Jazz , and Soul Jazz . The group's music quickly caught on with both jazz fans and critics. Somewhat surprisingly, they also achieved a fair amount of crossover success with young rock fans and became the first jazz group to play in the Fillmore . The album ''Forest Flower'' became a big commercial hit, largely on the strength of the title track. Other noteworthy albums include ''Dream Weaver'' and ''Love In''. In 1968 the group broke up and Lloyd entered a state of semi-retirement. Despite recording several albums during the 1970s and occasionally appearing as a sideman, he practically disappeared from the jazz scene. Upon being approached by pianist Michel Petrucciani in the early 1980s , he resumed playing actively. Since 1989 , Lloyd has been touring actively and recording for the ECM label. Though his playing has not changed much since the 1960s , these recordings often showcase his sensitivity as a Ballad player. Noteworthy albums include '' Canto '', '' Voice In The Night '', '' The Water Is Wide '' (featuring Brad Mehldau , John Abercrombie and Billy Higgins ) and ''Lift Every Voice'' (featuring Geri Allen ). EXTERNAL LINKS SELECTED DISCOGRAPHY With Chico Hamilton
With Cannonball Adderley As a leader
|
|
|