My review of Charles Lloyd's superb duo recording with pianist Jason Moran, Hagar's Song, today at All About Jazz.

The saxophonist has shared a number of long-term relationships with pianists over the years, from Keith Jarrett in the 1960s, when he came to both fame and fortune, to Bobo Stenson, when he made an active return to regular work as a solo artist in 1989 when he joined the ECM roster. Moran deserves to be mentioned alongside these other two, especially now as the last few years have seen tremendous growth. Moran has more often than not been a better sideman than a leader, but with Hagar's Song, their first duo record together, he demonstrates that he's now on an equal level, as capable of pushing and prodding Lloyd as the saxophonist is in return.

On a set that ranges from Lloyd originals and standards to songs by Bob Dylan and Brian Wilson, the chemistry honed in Lloyd's quartet since 2008's Rabo de Nube is now at a near-mitochondrial level, making Hagar's Song highly recommended. It also suggests, very clearly, that the time may be approaching for Moran to do a solo piano recording, as his a cappella work here is outstanding.

Review here.