Charles Lloyd Forest Flower on 180g Import LP

It was a clever move by George Avakian, producer at Atlantic Records, to record the Charles Lloyd Quartet live 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 '60s, 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 center of the hippy movement, on September 18, 1966.

On the LP we have the almost 18-minute-long title piece and the standard "East Of The Sun," which were recorded at the festival. The LP 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 and the artist is still 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 with this newly mastered collection.

Musicians:
Charles Lloyd (tenor saxophone, flute)
Keith Jarrett (piano)
Cecil McBee (bass)
Jack DeJohnette (drums)