Jon Lloyd Quartet: Earth Songs

Saxophonist Jon Lloyd has helped shape the UK jazz scene for several decades. Initially known for his energetic approach to free jazz, his creative ideas have gradually guided both himself and his group toward what he describes as "ECM quartet territory." Though ECM releases encompass a diverse range of musical styles, his description effectively evokes the quartet's sound. Their music features the contemplative soundscapes often associated with the label but also incorporates folk and classical influences, with space and stillness at the core.

He is joined by one of Europe's leading pianists and also his long-time collaborator, John Law. They are supported by bassist Nick Pini and drummer Alex Goodyear, both of whom share the sensitivity the material requires and make a huge contribution to the success of Earth Songs—a success evidenced by over 1,000,000 streams. There are nine compositions from Lloyd, with "The Trip" being an uplifting improvisational tenth track.

Opener "Al'Afiyah" sets the scene for much of what is to follow. It is striking how well the quartet fit together as Pini and Goodyear set up a crisp rhythm before Lloyd's plaintive sax captures the attention. His combinations with Law are of the kind that comes from many years of shared history; they know when to hold back, when to leave space and when not to fill it.

This is followed by "Breaking the Waves," the longest track at over nine minutes. Goodyear recognises less is more and subtly underpins the crystalline sax solo. The track flows seamlessly from section to section, which is true of the release as a whole.

This is an album of many highlights. "Desert Song" features Law's superb piano exploration, mazy and rhythmic over a crisp groove. Pini also delivers a fine solo before a sparkling sax and drums duet. Lloyd's melodic soprano sax work on "The River" is first class and he and Law excel once again with their emotive solos on "Lanovo."

Lloyds's compositions, characterised by their sparseness, avoid predictable chord progressions in favour of mood, emotion and beauty. The quartet achieve a remarkable balance of melodic structure and spontaneity. Lloyd and Law are superb throughout, listening and reacting to each other, with Pini and Goodyear using their subtlety and musical prowess to provide a rhythmic foundation. This accomplished album offers inventive textures, dynamics shifts and that touch of magic that rewards repeated listening.