NEA Jazz master and celebrated saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Charles Lloyd spoke with Performance Santa Fe this summer and shared some wisdom about life, music, and collaboration. Charles will perform alongside his Ocean Trio, featuring Gerald Clayton and Antony Wilson, on November 12 at the Lensic Performing Arts Center. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
PSF: How would you describe the music that you’re making with the Ocean Trio?
CL: This trio grew out of the confines of the first year of COVID. I had a concert scheduled in my hometown at the Lobero Theater in the Fall of 2020, however the lock down situation made it impossible. I decided to invite Gerald and Antony to join me on stage for a performance in an empty theater (it was later streamed). Gerald has been playing and recording with me for almost 10 years now. He is an amazing poet and sensitive on the piano. For me it is a beautiful connection that finds expression in the music. When I was a student at USC, I was also in Gerald Wilson’s Big Band – I met his son Anthony quite a number of years ago and word came to me that he would like to play with me. I knew him to be a wonderful guitarist and composer. I knew that he and Gerald Clayton had worked together a lot, so it seemed like a perfect to be to explore what kind of music the three of us would make together.
I have had the blessing of a long life – I have seen a lot, experienced a lot. I am able to bring the depth of my experience along with a beginner’s mind. Each time I play it is another chance to try to tell the truth.
PSF: What musical qualities do Anthony Wilson and Gerald Clayton possess that made you want to play with them?
CL: They are both master musicians on their instruments and they both have open minds when it comes to exploration. They are grounded in the tradition of our music but not afraid to fly when they are given the opportunity.
PSF: Throughout your career, you’ve played with a wide range of musicians across several genres. Which collaborators have had the biggest impact on your development?
CL: Howlin’ Wolf had a major impact on me. He taught me that you have to be able to project your story to the back of the room. The great pianist Phones Newborn, was my first important mentor. He planted the piano seed in me, and I attribute that to every great pianist who I have played with. But probably the most important was Booker Little. He died at such a young age – his music was so evolved and elevated. It is timeless beauty. He shared so much of his wisdom with me; it stays with me to this day.
PSF: What advice do you have for young people who want to pursue music?
CL: Do music because you love it. When I was growing up musicians like Duke Ellington and Johnny Hodges told my mother to discourage me from being a musician because it is such a hard life. But it was too late! I was bit by the cobra and felt I had to pursue music. It is my passion.
Charles Lloyd Ocean Trio is presented through the generosity of Elaine and Michael Brown.