Passin’ Thru
Blue Note, 2017
8/10
The always impressive Charles Lloyd did us all a favor by celebrating the 10th anniversary of his quartet by performing and old and new original compositions with his esteemed band on Passin’ Thru.
“Dream Weaver”, a song from 1966, starts the listen percussively strong as quivering saxophone from Lloyd enters the imaginative setting that gets busy with skittering keys by Jason Moran but also retreats to subdued beauty, and “Part 5, Ruminations” continues the unpredictable formula as Reuben Rogers plucks his bass while playful percussion from Eric Harland and Lloyd’s brass prowess dance around a controlled chaos approach.
Deeper into the listen, “How Can I Tell You” moves with a graceful jazz quality that’s both timeless and stirring, while “Tagore On The Delta” glides with shuffling percussion and Lloyd’s flute guiding the precise interplay. Shiva Prayer” exits the listen with sophisticated keys and soulful sax steering the dreamy finish that pays homage to a friend of Lloyd’s who passed away.
Lloyd formed his first quartet way back in 1965, but his current bandmates are among his best to date, as this exciting and meticulous recording proves. Though the tracks were recorded in 2 different locations, it all flows together cohesively and with plenty of awe amid the dynamic musicianship.
Travels well with: Charles Lloyd & The Marvels + Lucinda Williams- Vanishing Gardens; Wayne Shorter- Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis