Charles Lloyd - Forest Flower
Charles Lloyd (ts, fl) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Charles Llyod]
Keith Jarrett (p) [click here to see vinyl featuring Keith Jarrett]
Cecil McBee (b) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Cecil McBee]
Jack DeJohnette (dr) [click here to see more vinyl featuring Jack DeJohnette]
Written by Charles Lloyd (A1, A2), Keith Jarrett (B1); Cecil McBee (B2), Brooks Bowman (B3)
1 LP, gatefold sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Speed : 33 RPM
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 33 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Live
Record Press : Pallas
Label : Speakers Corner
Original Label : Atlantic
Recording: September 1966 live at Monterey Jazz Festival by Wally Heider
Production: George Avakian
Originally released in 1967
Reissued in 2016
Tracks :
Side A :
Side B :
Reviews :
"Your ear won't know where to tune in : to Jarrett's dazzling jagged runs (that years later show up in Mike Garson's 'Alladin Sane' Bowie accompaniment), or DeJohnette's driving cymbal work or McBee's muscular playing on his 'Song of Her' or the rousing concluding piece, a speedy take on the standard 'East of the Sun,' which the group takes apart and then gleefully re-assembles much to the crowd's delight. Lloyd's fleet playing is an album standout. ... Kevin Gray's cut is far superior to my original Atlantic pressing, which despite all of the Dual 1009SK/Shure V15 plays, remains quiet and fully extended on top. However, this reissue is far more dynamic and far better EQ'd, especially in the far more transparent midrange that also manages to well convey the outdoor space." Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com.
« When Charles Lloyd brought his new band to Monterey in 1966, a band that included Keith Jarrett on piano, Jack DeJohnette on drums, and the inimitable -- though young -- Cecil McBee on bass, no one knew what to expect. But they all left floored and this LP is the document of that set. It is difficult to believe that, with players so young (and having been together under a year), Lloyd was able to muster a progressive jazz that was so far-reaching and so undeniably sophisticated, yet so rich and accessible. For starters, the opening two title tracks, which form a kind of suite (one is "Forest Flower-Sunrise," the other "Sunset"), showcased the already fully developed imagination of Jarrett as a pianist. His interplay with DeJohnette -- which has continued into the 21st century in a trio with Gary Peacock -- is remarkable: whispering arpeggios surrounded by large chords that plank up the drumming as DeJohnette crosses hands and cuts the time in order to fluctuate the time. Lloyd's own solos are demonstrative of his massive melodic gift: his improvisation skirted the edges of what was happening with Coltrane (as everyone's did), but his own sense of the deep wellspring of song and the cross-pollination of various world musics that were happening at the time kept him busy and lyrical. Elsewhere, on Jarrett's own "Sorcery," his linking front-line harmonics with Lloyd is stellar -- this isn't communication, it's telepathy! Jarrett's angular solo is buoyed up by Lloyd's gorgeous ostinato phrasing. By the time the band reaches its final number, a sky-scorching version of Brooks Bowman's "East of the Sun," they have touched upon virtually the entire history of jazz and still pushed it forward with seamless aplomb. Forest Flower is a great live record. » AllMusic Review by Thom Jurek
It was a clever move by George Avakian, producer at Atlantic Records, to record live the Charles Lloyd Quartet during their appearance in Monterey, and to release the LP under the title "Forest Flower". Although the hippy flower-power movement tended towards a rather different musical genre at the end of the Sixties, they were blown away by this music. The four artists attracted masses of people and ensured that every seat was taken and all standing room filled at jazz festivals such as Newport, Molde (Norway), Antibes (France) and the Fillmore East and West. The super group also appeared in Monterey, 120 Km south of San Francisco, the centre of the hippy movement, on 18 September 1966.
On the LP we have the almost 18-minute-long title piece and the standard work "East Of The Sun", which were recorded at the festival. The disc is complemented by a Keith Jarrett composition and one by Cecil McBee, both of which were recorded in the studio ten days before the festival.
Of particular note is the rich interplay, the energy that is palpable throughout, the perfect harmony in each and every change of mood, and the intensity. Even 50 years later, it is quite clear that Charles Lloyd managed to break down the barriers between pop and jazz.
Charles Lloyd is committed to this objective to this very day! All four musicians are still active, although they no longer appear together as a group. Such a special treat for the ears is offered by this newly mastered disc only.
Ratings :
Allmusic : 5 / 5 , Discogs : Rate Your Music :