More akin to Crosby Stills and Nash then the recent Monsters of Folk, Fistful Of Mercy play with light and airy textures minus CSN’s political bent. Songs about love dominate as do violins and ultra repetitive choruses that allow the trio to mesh harmonically but never say anything lasting.
Anyone lucky enough to see Jackie Greene while he fronted Phil Lesh & Friends in 2007 and 2008 had to wonder if the young Californian could command the stage with his own band and exude the same charisma. Greene’s October 7th appearance at Higher Ground answered the question…and emphatically.
73 years into this life, Charles Lloyd is truly the master of soul-fired saxophone – and the ability to infuse an ensemble with that same vibe. With Mirror, the first studio effort from Lloyd’s present band (their recorded debut was 2008’s live Rabo de Nube), the music is rich and full; both easily digestible and as deep as you want it to be at the same time.
