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Written by Fred Mitchim
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Recently when Charles Lloyd played at Hogg on the UT campus I was lucky enough to be there. The only other chance I have ever had to see him was in San Rafel outside San Francisco in ’72. I have carried the memory of that astounding show with me my whole life like a diamond I found while walking on nearby Agate Beach. Needless to say I was very excited to see how an astounding musician like him would have evolved over the decades. My original exposure to Mr. Lloyd was in ’71 when I first heard Moonman. This album of almost psychedelic jazz with vocals turned my head around about the possibilities of jazz song writing. Then a year later when I saw him live at the Lion Share he had already evolved into what I call modern art jazz where the Sax sounds like its being beautifully strangled and the bass and drums are playing three songs at once. His execution of patterns and layers both in the studio and out came across as sheer genius. So as you might have guessed this is how he came across at Hogg. One thing that stands out about him is he always has the best players with him and no matter where he goes these guys are all up and down your spine while he flies overhead like a diamond coated flying saucer. Charles has the background and the experience of the masters and it shines through like a white hot laser beam right into anyones heart who might be within hearing distance. And on top of everything else his rap and his demeanor is that of a spiritually elevated space traveller. So heres my suggestion...buy anything that has his name on it and if you ever get a chance to see him go. Good luck. fm
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