Charles Lloyd - Forest Flower

180-gram vinyl

Plated by Gary Salstrom at Quality Record Pressings

"Your ear won't know where to tune in: to Jarrett's dazzling jagged runs (that years later show up in Mike Garson's 'Alladin Sane' Bowie accompaniment), or DeJohnette's driving cymbal work or McBee's muscular playing on his 'Song of Her' or the rousing concluding piece, a speedy take on the standard 'East of the Sun,' which the group takes apart and then gleefully re-assembles much to the crowd's delight. Lloyd's fleet playing is an album standout. ... Kevin Gray's cut is far superior to my original Atlantic pressing, which despite all of the Dual 1009SK/Shure V15 plays, remains quiet and fully extended on top. However, this reissue is far more dynamic and far better EQ'd, especially in the far more transparent midrange that also manages to well convey the outdoor space." — Music = 10/11; Sound = 09/11 - Michael Fremer, AnalogPlanet.com. Read the whole review here.

It was a clever move by George Avakian, producer at Atlantic Records, to record live the Charles Lloyd Quartet during their appearance in Monterey, and to release the LP under the title Forest Flower. Although the hippy flower-power movement tended towards a rather different musical genre at the end of the 1960s, they were blown away by this music.

The four artists attracted masses of people and ensured that every seat was taken and all standing room filled at jazz festivals such as Newport, Molde (Norway), Antibes (France) and the Fillmore East and West. The super group also appeared in Monterey, 120 Km south of San Francisco, the centre of the hippy movement, on 18 September 1966.

On the LP we have the almost 18-minute-long title piece and the standard work "East Of The Sun," which were recorded at the festival. The disc is complemented by a Keith Jarrett composition and one by Cecil McBee, both of which were recorded in the studio ten days before the festival.

Of particular note is the rich interplay, the energy that is palpable throughout, the perfect harmony in each and every change of mood, and the intensity. Even 50 years later, it is quite clear that Charles Lloyd managed to break down the barriers between pop and jazz.

Charles Lloyd is committed to this objective to this very day! All four musicians are still active, although they no longer appear together as a group. Such a special treat for the ears is offered by this newly-mastered disc only.

Recording: September 1966 live at Monterey Jazz Festival by Wally Heider
Production: George Avakian

 

Music

Sound

Ratings from Michael Fremer @ AnalogPlanet.com

 

Forest Flower - Sunrise

Forest Flower - Sunset

Sorcery

Song Of Her

East Of The Sun

Customer Reviews (4.71 Stars) 7 person(s) rated this product.

with Gusto! posted on 10/18/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: Duke758 Charles LLoyd is one of those players that you can distinguish with his tone. This album is a testament to that. The first song captivates you already and will always play in your head every time you want to hear something smooth and cool, This Speakers Corner release is exemplary. Music 5/5 Sonics 4/5

Totally satisfied with Forest Flower posted on 08/02/2022 5 Stars Reviewer: RK I just received it and have now played it through once. It's magnificent!!! All the instruments, including the Sax, are present and perfectly presented in the mix. This is a beautiful presentation in every way of a beautiful album! 5 stars all the way!

Disappointed posted on 03/27/2021 3 Stars Reviewer: Kevin Burke I heard Michael Fremer rave about this record,and after listening to it in the first 2 minutes I wondered why the saxophone sounded so dull and the rest of the musicians sound great,I finished listening to side one and listened on both my players lp-12 and rega planar 9,still dull so it’s the recording,I think I’m done with Speakers Corner records. I waisted my money.

Great LP--Buy It you will not be disappointed posted on 03/15/2021 5 Stars

THIS FLOWER BLOSSOMS AND BLOOMS IN FULL FOREST GLORY posted on 12/17/2020 5 Stars Reviewer: S. Madon ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT ALBUM! This live show at the Monterey Jazz Fest must have made for one heck of a magical night. Lloyd plays both sax and flute, and Keith Jarrett and Jack deJohnette work their usual wizardy on piano and drums. This album belongs with those few at the pinnacle of jazz. I get a bit more out of it with every listen. The title tune (parts 1 and 2) really showcase what master musicians are all about. Lloyd conjures up some honest magic on the wind instruments. Jarrett makes his piano in parts sound like a million crystals breaking to pieces, in perfect melody and harmony - how many fingers does this guy have, and on how many hands?? DeJohnette does his usual dance fantastic on the skins and cymbals. This album is magical and the live show was beautifully recorded. BUY IT! DON'T LET THIS ONE SLIP AWAY INTO THE FOREST.

Forget flower power just listen to great Jazz posted on 10/08/2016 5 Stars Reviewer: john whitaker Marvellous wonderful new re issue from "Speakers Corner" records based in Germany Have been searching for years for this terrific live date from Monterey during the swinging 60s All the artists at the top of their game Great new vinyl re- issue 180 gram in lovely gatefold cover Charles Lloyd still going great Saw him in London along with Jason Moran it was a great gig 2014

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