An unlikely star on the '60s rock scene who played "psychedlic jazz" on bills with Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead before sitting out most of the '70s and early '80s to meditate and escape commercial pressures, saxophon... more »ist Charles Lloyd has in his "comeback" phase established himself as a far deeper and more interesting player. His 11th album for ECM, and his first live one for the label, Sangam introduces his new trio, featuring Indian tabla ace Zakir Hussain (known for his work with Shakti) and acclaimed young jazz drummer Eric Harland (heard on Lloyd's previous CD, Jumping the Creek). A kind of followup to Which Way is East (2004), Lloyd's epic series of duets with his dear, soon-to-depart friend, drummer Billy Higgins, Sangam roots the leader's flowing and soaring spiritual investigations in a vibrant and varied rhythmic attack. True to the album title (Hindi for confluence or union), the band feeds off each other exceptionally well, especially considering this concert in Santa Barbara was their first together. Lloyd has never had the most imposing sound on tenor, but pushed by his partners, he works up moments of Coltrane-like intensity and drive. With his expansive palette--he also plays alto sax, flutes and tarogato--he avoids the slow, monochromatic mood-making of many of his '90s efforts. --Lloyd Sachs« less
An unlikely star on the '60s rock scene who played "psychedlic jazz" on bills with Jimi Hendrix and the Grateful Dead before sitting out most of the '70s and early '80s to meditate and escape commercial pressures, saxophonist Charles Lloyd has in his "comeback" phase established himself as a far deeper and more interesting player. His 11th album for ECM, and his first live one for the label, Sangam introduces his new trio, featuring Indian tabla ace Zakir Hussain (known for his work with Shakti) and acclaimed young jazz drummer Eric Harland (heard on Lloyd's previous CD, Jumping the Creek). A kind of followup to Which Way is East (2004), Lloyd's epic series of duets with his dear, soon-to-depart friend, drummer Billy Higgins, Sangam roots the leader's flowing and soaring spiritual investigations in a vibrant and varied rhythmic attack. True to the album title (Hindi for confluence or union), the band feeds off each other exceptionally well, especially considering this concert in Santa Barbara was their first together. Lloyd has never had the most imposing sound on tenor, but pushed by his partners, he works up moments of Coltrane-like intensity and drive. With his expansive palette--he also plays alto sax, flutes and tarogato--he avoids the slow, monochromatic mood-making of many of his '90s efforts. --Lloyd Sachs
"I love Charles Lloyd on ECM !! I have many of his ECM discs... As with many of my favorite artists, I keep a lookout for new releases,so I have been waiting for this one to come out .. I missed his concert with this Trio in Boulder Co last fall... I was working (unfortunately) I bought this on the day of release , and it's been in my player since .. This,according to the liner notes, was their first gig together , which makes it absolutely more amazing ..It was recorded live in 2004.The Tabla talent of Zakir Hussein, Son of the Master, Alla Rakha (forgive spelling)and the tasteful drums of one Eric Harland , push Charles into overdrive , adventurous stuff!! Open your ears , this is a wonderful CD .. the best iv'e heard so far this year(2006) from ANYONE . right on Charles,Zakir and Eric- congrats Charles on your first live release on the fantastic ECM label ."
ECM is becoming my bible
Strobe Lights And Blown Speakers | Louisville | 04/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Sangam is a beautiful trio release featuring Lloyd on sax, flutes, piano, etc, Zakir Hussain on tabla and percussion, and Eric Harland on drums, percussion, and piano. This album was recorded live in memory of Lloyd's late friend and musician Billy Higgins. As always, the sound engineering is immaculate (this is on ECM, after all). Beautiful playing by all three. Highly recommended."
A revelation
Frances Lyn | 04/06/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I couldn't agree with more the reviewer from Boulder and found most of the amazon comments above, rather asinine, jaded, and unenlightened. Lloyd has one of the most distinctive sounds of any living saxophonist today ( along with Wayne Shorter and Ornette Coleman) One note and there is no mistaking who it is. The only thing I can add is to say that I heard the group in Santa Fe last November and was blown away by the sheer energy, elan, swing, lyricism, depth and soaring of the music. If this live recording doesn't properly reestablish Mr. Lloyd as a fearless explorer and one of our great treasures - I don't know what will. He has always had the ability to bring out the best in his musicians and in this context, he not only does that for Hussain and Harland, but they seem to have the same effect on him. The recorded sound is warm and rich with all of the subltle sonorities of the instruments present. Rarely does one get to hear Hussain sing, a treat indeed. Highly, highly recommened - and don't miss the oportunity to hear this trio or Charles Lloyd with his quartet if he comes within 500 miles of you home town. While it is true Lloyd is deeply rooted in the jazz tradition, he is clearly open to music, all music, and travels the entire surface of our world with his song."
Sangam is a Work of Astounding Beauty, Sound and Love
Darrell Koerner | Boulder, Colorado United States | 04/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Transcendent, sublime and ecstatically wonderful - Sangam should be included on any and all lists of Best Jazz recordings of 2006. Recorded Live in Santa Barbara, Sangam features the incomparable Charles Lloyd on sax, tarogato, flute and piano, Tabla Master Zakir Hussain and Eric Harland on drums and percussion.
I was fortunate to see these Three Masters live at the Boulder Theater in the Fall of 2005. They revealed a joyous empathy and amazing interplay that was off the charts - easily one of the best jazz concerts I've ever attended.
On Sangam Master Lloyd is a whirling dervish, able to rip and lament while creating and holding the center still point. Hussain and Harland are mind blowing. Six panels of liner notes compliment the 75 minutes of Sonic Sublimity.
Highly recommended - also see the excellent reveiw by Thom Jurek at All Music Guide.
"
AHHHHHH!
SupportKCSM.orgAllOutThurs.@10pmPac | San FranDisco, CA | 05/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"DANG!!! On the mark all day. Excellent. Can't wait until these cats tour.
I don't usually care for ECM stuff as it's a little too light for me....but this...POW!!! All kinds of creative.
You think, "two percussion, & a horn, what could really happen?" Everything happens. Absolutely, without a doubt, three of the most creative musicians in the scene today.
I was even a little concerned going in because of Hussain...eventhough he's the master...you can't pick up anything now days without a tabla up in there....but...because he's the master...he's way past the perimeters of raga raga taga....and is deep inside the jazz spectrum.
Listen to track #7, "Guman" ever & over & over again. You FEEL this cut. If you don't close your eyes and get lost in this one...fuuuurgetaboutit."