Record Reviews

CHARLES LLOYD ~ 8: KINDRED SPIRITS (LIVE FROM THE LOBERO THEATRE) BLUE NOTE 602508001543 (Barcode: 602508001543) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2018 Released: 2020 This is a live album by the legendary American saxophonist / composer / bandleader Charles LloydFind albums by this artist, recorded on March 17, 2018, during Lloyd’s 80th Birthday celebration concert at the Lobero Theatre in Santa Barbara, CA. This standard edition presents a CD with the first set (four tracks) of the concert, which was recorded by a quintet with guitarist Julian LageFind albums by this artist, pianist Gerald ClaytonFind albums by this artist, bassist Reuben RogersFind albums by this artist and drummer Eric HarlandFind albums by this artist. The DVD included in the digibook presents the same content. Three of the tracks are original compositions by Lloyd and one is a traditional tune arranged by Lloyd. The playing time of two tracks is around twenty minutes each and the other two tracks around ten minutes each. A Limited Edition Box Set of this concert, which was also released, includes the entire concert, including the second set (eight tracks), which features guest players: organist Booker T. JonesFind albums by this artist and bassist Don WasFind albums by this artist (Blue NoteFind albums on this label Records President), which sadly is brutally expensive. The music is, as expected, insanely beautiful and offers a sublime example of the surviving skills of Lloyd, who is undoubtedly one the greatest American Jazz musicians of all time, and who, despite his advanced age, sounds completely relevant today, as he did throughout his entire career. His beautiful tone, improvisational skills and contemporary / modernist approach to Jazz enables him to perform with young Jazz musicians, like Lage, without any generation gap incompatibilities. These extended improvisation tracks emphasize Lloyd’s wonderful ability to combine melody and Free Improvisations in a unique way, which makes the Free aspects of the music to sound completely accessible to listeners, who normally would not be able to listen to music with such degree of Freedom. Overall, this is a monumental piece of contemporary American Jazz, which sadly very rarely achieves such level of sophistication, authenticity and freshness these days. Hopefully, the full concert will be available on CD at a reasonable price soon, as hiding it for rich snobs who can afford it, is hardly an appropriate way to popularize Art.

Updated: 31/05/2026Posted: 31/05/2026

CD+DVD 2 Digibook Recommend To A Friend

BRIAN WILSON ~ I JUST WASN`T MADE FOR THESE TIMES (SOUNDTRACK) MCA 008811127022 (Barcode: 008811127022) ~ USA ~ Classic Rock Recorded: 1976 - 1995 Released: 1995 This is the 2nd studio album by American singer / songwriter Brian WilsonFind albums by this artist, founder and leader of the legendary Beach BoysFind albums by this artist and one of the most iconic American Pop / Rock songwriters. The album, co-produced by Don WasFind albums by this artist, was the soundtrack of the documentary movie about Wilson, directed by Was. It was recorded with a large team of session musicians, with Wilson handling all the vocal and some instrumental parts. The album presents eleven tracks, all written by Wilson and partly co-written by Mike Love and Tony Asher. The album consists of remakes old Beach Boys songs, previously recorded on their albums, except two songs recorded previously on Wilson’s debut solo album and one old home demo. The playing time is slightly under half an hour. In retrospect, the album sounds completely fine today, with Wilson’s songwriting and the sublime vocal harmonies and beautiful tunes last completely untouched by passing time. The album marked Wilson’s recovery from mental problems and the return to his musical career. Although the material is not new, the new arrangements and delicate performances are all just perfect. Overall, this is an integral part of Wilson’s wonderful recorded legacy, which together with his work with the Beach Boys, belongs to the best American Pop / Rock musical output in all time. This is timeless stuff!

Updated: 19/07/2026Posted: 19/07/2026

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend