Few musicians in any era, in any genre, have had such lengthy and varied creative journeys as saxophonist Charles Lloyd. The longevity of his 60-year career is honorable enough, but the unpredictability of his path and the ebb and flow of his musical ideas make him almost unequaled, in jazz. He's like the David Bowie of the genre — a chameleon, blending, bending and constantly reinventing.
His current "new" quartet, features pianist Jason Moran, bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland — historically his longest serving sidemen, working together for nearly 13 years. On the cusp of a Japan tour that features gigs at both the Tokyo Jazz Festival (Aug. 30-Sept. 1) and Blue Note Tokyo in Minami-Aoyama, Lloyd reflects on their partnership.
"This group came together unexpectedly in the spring of 2007 when the wonderful (pianist) Geri Allen was unable to make one of my tours," he says. "From the first encounter with Jason backstage at Carnegie Hall, I felt a deep connection with him and this can be heard in the music. As a group we share a camaraderie off the stage and on stage, we all love the challenge of the unknown. Music gives us wings and we love to fly."