Charles Lloyd, a veteran jazz adventurer, returns with his sophomore album for Blue Note, "I Long To See You," a spellbinding collection of musical meditations that seamlessly blend the familiar with the foreign. Released on January 15, 2016, this album marks Lloyd's first collaboration with guitarist Bill Frisell, along with other talented musicians, collectively known as Charles Lloyd & The Marvels. The result is an impressive mix of modern jazz, contemporary jazz, and vocal jazz, all woven together in a tapestry of spellbinding improvisations.
"I Long To See You" is a testament to Lloyd's enduring artistry and his ability to push the boundaries of jazz. The album features ten tracks, each offering a unique blend of intensity and introspection. From the hauntingly beautiful "Abide With Me" to the powerful rendition of "Masters Of War," every song is a journey into the depths of Lloyd's musical genius. The album's duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes ensures that listeners are fully immersed in the rich, layered soundscape that Lloyd and his bandmates have created.
The tracklist is a diverse mix of covers and original compositions, including traditional songs like "Shenandoah" and "La Llorona," as well as well-known tunes like "All My Trials" and "Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream." Each track is performed with a level of skill and passion that only comes from decades of experience in the jazz world. The album's genres, jazz and free jazz, are expertly blended, creating a sound that is both innovative and timeless.
This album is a significant addition to Lloyd's discography, following his 2015 comeback album, "Wild Man Dance." After 25 years with ECM, where he created one of the lasting bodies of work in modern jazz, Lloyd moved to Blue Note, and "I Long To See You" is a stunning debut for his new label. Whether you're a longtime fan of Charles Lloyd or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
