Charles Lloyd, a legendary tenor saxophonist from Memphis, shares his musical journey alongside co-host Don Was. They delve into Lloyd's rich early life, growing up amid icons like Elvis and B.B. King, which fueled his eclectic style. The conversation touches on his experiences in the Los Angeles jazz scene, influential encounters with jazz greats, and his new album celebrating his legacy. Lloyd reflects on the healing power of music and explores profound themes of identity and cultural history that have shaped his artistry.
Charles Lloyd's upbringing in Memphis was profoundly influenced by legendary musicians, shaping his identity and artistry as a saxophonist.
His experiences in the early Los Angeles jazz scene encouraged him to push musical boundaries and foster collaborations with influential artists.
Lloyd views music as a healing force, emphasizing its power to connect people and convey universal themes despite industry challenges.
Deep dives
Roots in Memphis
Charles Lloyd shares his deep connections to Memphis, Tennessee, where he grew up amidst a rich musical environment filled with iconic artists like Elvis Presley, B.B. King, and Junior Parker. This cultural backdrop provided him with invaluable experiences that shaped his musicianship from a young age. Growing up in a city known for its vibrant blues scene, Lloyd was nurtured by the sounds of legendary musicians, making Memphis not just a location but a significant part of his identity. These early influences contributed to his evolution as a uniquely expressive tenor saxophonist in the world of jazz.
Experiences in Los Angeles
After moving to California to attend USC, Lloyd became intertwined with the early Los Angeles jazz scene, which offered a platform for collaboration with numerous influential musicians. He reminisces about significant encounters with renowned figures like Ornette Coleman, who challenged him to think beyond traditional musical boundaries. This period was marked by growth and experimentation as he navigated the evolving jazz landscape, often feeling both part of and apart from the established norms. His relationships in Los Angeles further fueled his desire to create original music that conveyed deeper emotional truths.
Musical Philosophy and Healing
Throughout the conversation, Lloyd emphasizes the healing power of music and his quest to produce pieces that resonate with universal themes of love and connection. He reflects on transformative moments in his life where he sought solace through music, especially during challenging times. Despite acknowledging the naiveté of thinking he could change the world through his art alone, he remains driven by a desire to uplift and heal others through his compositions. This belief in music as a therapeutic medium remains a cornerstone of Lloyd's artistic philosophy.
Collaboration with Greats
Lloyd discusses his collaborations with influential musicians like Quincy Jones, Cannonball Adderley, and Billy Higgins, noting the importance of these partnerships in shaping his sound and direction as an artist. The relationships cultivated through music not only enriched his artistry but also created a network of support and innovation within the jazz community. He particularly highlights the nurturing environment that Higgins provided as a drummer who understood how to elevate every musician on stage. Through these interactions, Lloyd learned the significance of camaraderie and mutual respect among artists.
Reflections on Legacy
As one of the surviving figures from his era, Lloyd reflects on the weight of legacy and the responsibility that comes with being an elder in the jazz community. He often grapples with the impermanence of life and the inevitability of loss, resulting in deep introspection about his own mortality and artistic contributions. This contemplation drives him to continue creating, knowing that each piece he produces carries potential meaning for future generations. Ultimately, Lloyd recognizes the power of storytelling through music as a way to connect the past with the present and future.
Struggles Within the Industry
Throughout the episode, Lloyd expresses his frustrations with the recording industry and its approach to jazz music, which he believes is often undervalued. He mentions statistics showing that jazz represents a small fraction of music sales, reflecting a broader lack of appreciation for the genre. This neoliberal structure frustrates him, as he sees the immense depth and beauty in jazz that deserves wider recognition. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to his craft, continuing to fight for the music he loves and its place in a mainstream that frequently overlooks its significance.
A conversation with Charles Lloyd feels like a veritable interaction with the pages of history. I was continuously surprised throughout my conversation with Charles, along with Don Was, about the depth of his experiences…and the wisdom too.
Charles is an inordinately beautiful tenor player from Memphis, Tennessee - who grew up at a time where the region was brimming with talent… Elvis Presley, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Parker, Billy Lee Riley, B.B. King and so many more were from there or made their careers there. It was also a popular destination for touring artists giving a young Charles an incredible musical education.
On today’s episode of Broken Record, another in our series celebrating the 85th anniversary of Blue Note Records… I have Don Was as my co-host and we talk to Charles Lloyd about his colorful upbringing in Memphis and about the early Los Angeles jazz scene he became a part of after moving to California to attend USC. This conversation goes a lot of places… from Elvis to Quincy Jones to the Beach Boys and far beyond. And please be sure to check out his wonderful new album out on Blue Note, The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Charles Lloyd songs HERE.
