One of jazz's great musical seekers, Charles Lloyd assembled his singular ensemble Sangam to mark the passing of trap-set wizard Billy Higgins, who had become the saxophonist's late career musical soul mate. Featuring Indian tabla legend Zakir Hussain and drummer extraordinaire Eric Harland, the group released a live CD on EMC in 2006 that captured the spiritually charged communion. In the ensuing years the trio has attained luminous new heights whenever the opportunity has arisen to rejoin forces.
Sangam means "confluence" in Sanskrit, and what makes this trio so compelling is its stunning interplay. Somehow, Harland always finds exactly the right place to add an accent or a beat, an incredible feat given Hussain's intricate patterns. In many ways, Sangam is a giant stride on Lloyd's long spiritual journey. At 73, he is more eloquent than ever, a fearless improviser who reveals a world of beauty with every note. These three great artists are generously donating their talents to ensure the festival's future.
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