The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow
Charles Lloyd (Blue Note)
Get ready to have your socks knocked off! “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow” by the evergreen Charles Lloyd, is like a fine wine released under the legendary Blue Note label. This double album, dropped on Lloyd’s 86th birthday (talk about birthday presents!), is a grand slam that proves this saxophonist is far from blowing his last note.
Cooked up during the rollercoaster ride that was 2020 and served hot in 2023, this album features a quartet of maestros. Lloyd is joined by the piano wizard Jason Moran, bass guru Larry Grenadier, and the drum dynamo Brian Blade. This supergroup, a first-time gathering, creates a unique musical cocktail that’ll have you tipsy from the first note.
The party starts with “Defiant, Tender Warrior,” a track that sets the mood for the entire shindig. It’s a hypnotic piece that weaves a spell with soft piano ripples, growling bass notes, and whispering snare patterns before Lloyd’s tenor sax even enters the scene. This track, like the rest of the album, is a masterclass in how to spill your guts through a saxophone.
The album is a buffet of fresh tunes and reimagined classics, each one a testament to Lloyd’s musical wizardry. “Monk’s Dance,” a nod to the Jazz deity Thelonious Monk, is a wild ride, with Moran and Blade having a blast. “The Ghost of Lady Day,” a heartfelt tribute to Billie Holiday, is another gem that showcases Lloyd’s knack for creating tunes that hit home and resonate far and wide.
“The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow” is a snapshot of Lloyd’s journey as an artist and a human being. It’s a testament to his belief in the healing power of music and its ability to bring people together. This album is a wake-up call to the life and beauty still out there when we let our minds and hearts roam free.
In a nutshell, “The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow” is a tour de force from a Jazz titan who’s still got plenty of gas in the tank. It’s a testament to Charles Lloyd’s timeless talent and his knack for creating music that’s as relevant today as it was when he first picked up the sax. This album isn’t just a gift to his fans, but a love letter to the world of music. It’s a reminder that even when the going gets tough, the sky will still be there tomorrow, and so will the music. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride!