Charles Lloyd Performs at the New York Society for Ethical Culture

Charles Lloyd was responsible for a ton of words at the New York Society for Ethical Culture on Saturday night. At the outset of his JVC Jazz Festival concert, he called up Charles Simic, the poet laureate of the United States, who read a handful of nocturnal poems. Later, for a second encore, Mr. Lloyd recited passages from the Bhagavad-Gita over a gentle drone. And during the pauses between songs he was a torrent of allusive patter, drawing on a fount of vintage hipster recollections.

Click here for more on Charles Lloyd at the New York Times.

How it's done

Last night, Memphis native Charles Lloyd turned in a magical display of high-calibre improvisation at Enwave Theatre. Backed by a stellar collection of young bucks – pianist Jason Moran (who worked the piano over like it owed him money), bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland – the 70-year-old flautist/saxist was as vigorous and inventive as anything going.

Click here for more on Charles Lloyd in the Toronto Star.