Trios: Ocean

Charles Lloyd has long been a free spirit, master musician, and visionary. For more than six decades the legendary saxophonist and composer has loomed large over the music world, and at 84 years old he remains at the height of his powers and as prolific as ever. Early on Lloyd saw how placing the improvised solo in interesting and original contexts could provoke greater freedom of expression and inspire creativity, and throughout his remarkable career he has searched for alternative ways to frame his improvisational skills.

As a sound seeker, Lloyd’s restless creativity has perhaps found no greater manifestation than on his latest masterwork, an expansive project that encompasses three albums with an overarching theme, each presenting him in a different trio setting—a Trio of Trios. The first album, Trios: Chapel (out June 24), features guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan. The second, Trios: Ocean (out August 26), features guitarist Anthony Wilson and pianist Gerald Clayton. The third, Trios: Sacred Thread (out October 28), features guitarist Julian Lage and percussionist Zakir Hussain.