Charles Lloyd/Maria Farantouri
Athens Concert
ECM Records
www.ecmrecords.com
By George W. Harris

Charles Lloyd has substantiated my theory that jazz musicians get
better and better every year until they’re finally put into the pine
box. Hopefull for the septugenarian, that will be a long time coming,
Lord willing. This latest 2 cd set has Lloyd with his 4 year team of
Jason Moran/p, Reuben Rogers/b and Eric Harland/dr caught at a concert
at the famous Acropolis in Greece, where muses, philosophers and the
Apostle Paul have all jousted for the minds and souls of men. Famed
Greek vocalist Maria Farantouri, along with musicians Socratis
Sinopoulos/lyra dn Takis Farazis/p join in as well for a mixture of
jazz originals as well as modern and traditional Greek melodies that
make this disc a modern answer to Coltrane’s famed A Love Supreme.
Let’s call it An Agape Supreme.

Farantouri’s earthy voice mixes well with Lloyd’s yearning tenor, as
the pair deliver concise readings of Greek melodies such as Mikos
Theodorakis’ “Kratissa Ti Zoi Mou” as well as the 3 Part Greek Suite.
The mix of jazz sounds and multiple rhythms makes for a thrilling ride.
Being of Greek origin myself, the various dance beats call deep into my
soul, making me want to get up and dance, but the music is more for
contemplation that jumping into a line. Themes ranging from a hymn to
the Holy Trinity to loves are covered on tunes that mix melodies from
urban excitement to obscure Greek villages. Sinopoulos’ lyra melds
with Lloyd’s horn to sound like they’re serenading the mountain goats
on a couple of tunes, while Moran’s piano along with Rogers and Harland
are flexible and lithe. Music that reaches back 100s of years, as well
as reaching forward into eternity.