Jumping the Creek

Amazon.com
While this is a quartet recording, some of the most thrilling moments on the disc are when the four members are interacting in pairs. The title track opens with drummer Eric Harland and Lloyd, the bass enters briefly, and then only the trap set continues in duet with pianist Geri Allen. Lloyd's compositions move from post-bop melodicism ("Ken Katta Ma Om") to the seemingly ancient bearing of folk-like figures ("Angel Oak Revisited"). Allen in particular is a stimulating springboard for the leader. She has played with him since the beginning of this decade, and the breadth of playing is showcased in the new writing. The sheer variety of this set is stunning, as the quartet steps from continent to continent with intoxicating confidence. --David Greenberger

Terry Lawson, Detroit Free Press, April 5, 2005
The music he now makes is challenging, beautiful and accessible.

Jumping the Creek

Tracks:

Ne Me Quitte Pas (If You Go Away)
Ken Katta Ma Om (Bright Sun Upon You)
Angel Oak Revisited
Canon Perdido
Jumping The Creek
The Sufi's Tears
Georgia Bright Suite I. Pythagoras At Jeckll Island, II. Sweet Georgia Bright
Come Sunday
Both Veils Must Go
Song Of The Inuit

Amazon.com

While this is a quartet recording, some of the most thrilling moments on the disc are when the four members are interacting in pairs. The title track opens with drummer Eric Harland and Lloyd, the bass enters briefly, and then only the trap set continues in duet with pianist Geri Allen. Lloyd's compositions move from post-bop melodicism ("Ken Katta Ma Om") to the seemingly ancient bearing of folk-like figures ("Angel Oak Revisited"). Allen in particular is a stimulating springboard for the leader. She has played with him since the beginning of this decade, and the breadth of playing is showcased in the new writing. The sheer variety of this set is stunning, as the quartet steps from continent to continent with intoxicating confidence. --David Greenberger

Customer Reviews:

My "late" introduction to Charles Lloyd..........2007-07-09

I arrived at this CD indirectly, as I was searching for more work by pianist Geri Allen. Well, I got much more than I could have hoped for, since Geri is spectacular and the entire CD is as original and confident as anything I have heard in a long time.

Others have mentioned that the music here is rarely a "full quartet", and I'll add that this fact adds to the interest and power of this music significantly. This CD was pleasant on first listen, but after a few listens it ended up in my top 5 CDs since 2000. This one is still in regular rotation in my car, and for late-night headphone listening after the kids are asleep. Also, I had never heard of the drummer, Harland, but I'm now a big fan.

I have since bought a bunch of Lloyds CDs, but this is my favorite. I really love the Hyperion with Higgens CD too.

This performer and backup musicians consistently challenge the listener or not!.......2006-11-10

Charles Lloyd is a and has been a consistent improvisor with dynamic performances. Along with another favorite of mine, inventive pianist Geri Allen, This CD shines!

Charles Lloyd "Jumping The Creek".......2006-02-22

With Geri Allen on piano, Lloyd goes right to the edge. Fans of 'Trane's classic quartet
and the more recent work of Joe Lovano, Branford Marsalis, Tony Malaby, et al will love this one. Eric Harland (drums) and Robert Hurst (bass) are equal musical partners in this solid effort

Kudos to ECM for signing Lloyd and let him do it his way. Musically, the result have been alway first-rate.

If You Love Charles Lloyd - See Him Live.......2005-04-22

I had the honor of seeing Charles Lloyd at Scullers in Boston recently as he opened his world tour. He was magnificent. In addition to doing material from this magnificent album, he added "Sombrero Sam" and "Forest Flower, Sunrise, Sunset" to the second set. Geri Allen was amazing and to watch Charles beam as she soloed on "Forest Flower" was a delight.
The tour is on www.charleslloyd.com along with a full discography. Don't miss it!

Charles Lloyd brilliant as ever.......2005-04-08

I was somewhat surpised after listening to this album, probably, because I have been listening to Lloyd's "safer" records lately (Water is Wide and Hyppernion with Higgins - two highly recommended albums).

Nonetheless, I was shocked after I listened to first track. Lloyd's take on Brel's "Ne Me Quitte Pas" is absoultely stunning. There are no good words to describe it. You will just have to listen to it.

Perhaps a good preparation for this album is Lloyd's last year release "Which way is east". Much like that recording, "Jumping the creek" is on the experimental side. Lloyd improvises on the seemingly endless shores of his imagination, and members of his quartet are understanding and willing to go on the journey. Allen does some outstanding playing on "Ken Katta Ma Om".

For a personal favorite I select "The Sufi's Tears". Lloyd plays tarngato, evoking the oriental motives and bringing the listener to a completely different place. "Jumping the creek", the title composition, brings the musicians together in a whirlwind of improvisation.

This album definetely marks a new high in Lloyd's career. Beautiful and evocative- stunning, "Jumping the creek" is a marvel.

Average customer rating:

Jumping the Creek

ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

Jazz | Imports | Stores | Music
ASIN: B0007WZVVY
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Pop Music:

Pop Music