Charles Lloyd at this stage in his career, shines brightest when things are most intuitive. This trio album with guitarist Bill Frisell and bassist Thomas Morgan is a perfect case in point. Everything seems casual, conversant and cozy, and it works magnificently.
Lloyd plays flute on one track, the lovely and floating”Beyond Darkness” over Frisell’s back porch pickings. The rest of the time, Lloyd’s tenor isa mix of Ben Webster breathiness and John Coltrane explorations, sighing with the Spartan support on the Ellingtonian “Blood Count” and using his pads as part of the rhythm section for the relaxed folk mood of “Ay Amor”. Frisell gives a plaintive and patient intro to the rural “Song My Lady Sings” and the three are laconic for “ Dorotea’s Studio”. Calm waters with a hint of white caps.