One of the most unusual criss-crossings of styles that we've ever heard from saxophonist
Charles Lloyd – and that's saying a lot, given all of his unusual projects over the years! This set follows from
Lloyd's previous album
with his
Marvels group – a richly American blending of jazz and roots – and also brings in singer
Lucinda Williams on a number of the album's tracks! The core sounds have that strong contribution from guitarist Bill Frisell that made the previous
Marvels project so unique – and
Williams herself has great sympathy
with the guitarist, as she does
with Greg Leisz, who plays pedal steel and dobro on the record.
Lloyd handles tenor, flute, and "ghost vocals" – and the album equally balances instrumental tunes and vocal selections, including one trio number
with just
Lloyd, Frisell, and
Williams. Titles include "Dust", "Vanished Gardens", "Unsuffer Me", "Monk's Mood", "Angel", "Blues For Langston & LaRue", "Ballad Of The Sad Young Men", "Ventura", and "We've Come Too Far To Turn Around".