3 Mulligans

I’ve enjoyed several of Charles Lloyd’s releases on the ECM label but this live recording really stood out. With an interesting lineup of tabla player, drummer, and himself on reeds, its overall sound broke away from his usual quartet setting. There are some nice percussive workouts featured but throughout the CD both percussionists play melodically and they instinctively connect with each other’s style without cluttering up the sound. This song’s beautiful sax intro really struck me, but also how he slips in those fast runs, making their placement sound so natural. I also loved how the swing feel is established when the tablas come in and how closely they resemble the sound of an upright bass.