Charles Lloyd Figure In Blue
Charles Lloyd's Figure In Blue arrives as a reflective, double-length statement that foregrounds trio interplay and a renewed collaborative spark. Across the record the piano-guitar-drums format frames Lloyd's lyricism, and critics point to the trio moments with Jason Moran and Marvin Sewell as the album's most compelling passages. The opening verdict: the collection earned an 80/100 consensus score from one professional review, which praises the spaciousness and restraint that shape its strongest pieces.
Reviewers consistently single out “Figure In Blue, memories of Duke” and “Blues for Langston” as standout tracks, noting how those performances exemplify the communicative breath of the trio. Themes running through professional reviews include a return to trio format, the obvious chemistry of this first recording with Moran and Sewell, and the risks and rewards of a lengthy double album - moments of deep focus reward patience, while a few stretches test the listener's attention. Critics agree the record's strength lies in its measured pacing and the room it gives Lloyd to unfold melodic ideas.
While praise centers on the trio's interplay and individual highlights like “Figure In Blue, memories of Duke” and “Blues for Langston”, some notes of reservation accompany the album's scale; the double-length format asks for commitment. As an entry in Lloyd's late-career catalog, Figure In Blue reads as a return to form that privileges conversation over virtuoso display, a quiet but rewarding addition that invites deeper listening.
Critics' Top Tracks
The standout songs that made critics take notice
double-length Figure in Blue
Track Ratings
How critics rated each track, relative to this album (0-100). Only tracks that made critics feel something are rated.
Abide With Me
Hina Hanta, the way of peace
Figure In Blue, memories of Duke
Desolation Sound
Ruminations
Chulahoma
Song My Lady Sings
The Ghost of Lady Day
Blues for Langston
Heaven
Black Butterfly
Ancient Rain
Hymn To The Mother, for Zakir
Somewhere
What Critics Are Saying
Deep insights from 1 critic who reviewed this album
Critic's Take
Charles Lloyd returns with a reflective, expansive double-length set on Figure in Blue, and it is the trio moments that stand out most - Jason Moran and Marvin Sewell give the leader room to unfurl. The record’s best tracks are the ones that emphasize spacious interplay, particularly “Figure In Blue, memories of Duke” and “Blues for Langston”, where Lloyd's lyricism and the band’s restraint cohere. The writing voice here is admiring and measured, noting Lloyd’s return to trio form and the fresh chemistry of this first recording with Moran and Sewell. For listeners asking which are the best songs on Figure in Blue, seek the tracks where the trio breathes together - those are the album’s true rewards.
Key Points
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The title track is best because it exemplifies the trio’s lyrical interplay and reflective mood.
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The album’s core strengths are Lloyd’s return to trio format and the new chemistry with Jason Moran and Marvin Sewell.