Artist page · 03/07/2026

Charles Lloyd

MemphisBorn in 1938Free Jazz5 vinyl albums
Charles Lloyd, born March 15, 1938, in Memphis, Tennessee, is a jazz saxophonist and flutist whose work spans free jazz, post-bop, and world fusion.
5Albums on Vinyles.com
687Discogs releases
142kLast.fm listeners

About

Charles Lloyd, From Memphis roots to avant-garde jazz explorations.

Five LPs on Blue Note and Resonance; rare first pressings trade around €10-28.

Charles Lloyd started saxophone at age nine and studied piano with Phineas Newborn. Beginning his career in blues circles playing alongside B.B. King and Howlin' Wolf, he evolved into a prominent figure in avant-garde jazz and contemporary jazz scenes. His catalog includes distinctive albums on Blue Note and Resonance Records, with releases spanning from 1964 to forthcoming projects in 2025.

Known for collaborations with musicians like Booker Little, Lloyd's output explores blends of free jazz, post-bop, and world fusion, showcasing his saxophone and flute expertise. His vinyl discography encompasses limited editions and deluxe pressings highly sought by collectors on the secondary market.

Discography

Charles Lloyd — Discography

Studio albums, EPs and notable live records, from newest to oldest. Drag the timeline to browse.

Figure In BlueBlue Note · 2025
2025
Figure In Blue
CD, Album
Studio
The Sky Will Still Be There TomorrowBlue Note · 2024
2024
The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Trios: OceanBlue Note · 2022
2022
Trios: Ocean
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Trios: ChapelBlue Note · 2022
2022
Trios: Chapel
CD, Album
Studio
Trio Of TriosBlue Note · 2022
2022
Trio Of Trios
CD, Album, Stereo
Studio
Trios: Sacred ThreadBlue Note · 2022
2022
Trios: Sacred Thread
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Wild Man DanceBlue Note · 2015
2015
Wild Man Dance
CD, Album
Studio
Manhattan StoriesResonance Records · 2014
2014
Manhattan Stories
Vinyl, LP, Album, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered
Studio
Hagar's SongECM Records · 2013
2013
Hagar's Song
CD, Album
Studio
Athens ConcertECM Records · 2011
2011
Athens Concert
CD, Album
Studio
SangamECM Records · 2006
2006
Sangam
CD, Album
Studio
Jumping The CreekECM Records · 2005
2005
Jumping The Creek
CD, Album
Studio
Which Way Is EastECM Records · 2004
2004
Which Way Is East
CD, Album
Studio
Lift Every VoiceECM Records · 2002
2002
Lift Every Voice
CD, Album
Studio
Hyperion With HigginsECM Records · 2001
2001
Hyperion With Higgins
CD, Album
Studio
The Water Is WideECM Records · 2000
2000
The Water Is Wide
CD, HDCD, Album
Studio
Voice In The NightECM Records · 1999
1999
Voice In The Night
CD, Album
Studio
Afterglow (Music From The Motion Picture)Columbia · 1998
1998
Afterglow (Music From The Motion Picture)
CD, Album
Studio
CantoECM Records · 1997
1997
Canto
CD, Album
Studio
All My RelationsECM Records · 1995
1995
All My Relations
CD, Album
Studio
Acoustic Masters IAtlantic Jazz · 1994
1994
Acoustic Masters I
CD, Album
Studio
The CallECM Records · 1993
1993
The Call
CD, Album
Studio
Notes From Big SurECM Records · 1992
1992
Notes From Big Sur
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Autumn In New YorkADC Records · 1979
1979
Autumn In New York
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
WeavingsPacific Arts · 1978
1978
Weavings
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
Gabor Szabo Live With Charles Lloyd (Featuring Spellbinder)Blue Thumb Records · 1974
1974
Gabor Szabo Live With Charles Lloyd (Featuring Spellbinder)
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
GeetaA&M Records · 1973
1973
Geeta
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
WavesA&M Records · 1972
1972
Waves
Vinyl, LP, Album, Promo
Studio
Warm WatersKapp Records · 1971
1971
Warm Waters
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Moon ManKapp Records · 1970
1970
Moon Man
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
In The Soviet Union: Recorded At The Tallinn Jazz FestivalAtlantic · 1970
1970
In The Soviet Union: Recorded At The Tallinn Jazz Festival
Vinyl, LP, Album
Studio
SoundtrackAtlantic · 1969
1969
Soundtrack
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Charles Lloyd In EuropeAtlantic · 1968
1968
Charles Lloyd In Europe
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
NirvanaColumbia · 1968
1968
Nirvana
Vinyl, LP, Album, Stereo
Studio
Forest FlowerAtlantic · 1967
1967
Forest Flower
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Discovery!Columbia · 1964
1964
Discovery!
Vinyl, LP, Album, Mono
Studio
Studio album Live / EP

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Charles Lloyd's career.

01
Defiant, Tender Warrior
Defiant, Tender Warrior
The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow · 2024
02
Requiem - Live
·
03
You Are So Beautiful
·
04
How Can I Tell You - Live
·
05
The Water Is Wide
·
06
TM
·
07
La Llorona
·
08
Ballad of the Sad Young Men
·

The essentials

The 3 Charles Lloyd albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2014
LP, Deluxe Edition, Limited Edition, Numbered
Manhattan Stories

Live recordings from 1965 in New York City that capture Lloyd's post-bop style with iconic extended tracks.

8 tracksRecorded live at Judson Hall & Slugs' SaloonDeluxe numbered editionResonance Records
#2 · 2022
LP, Stereo
Trios: Sacred Thread

Studio album blending avant-garde and post-bop jazz in intimate trio settings with 7 tracks featuring thematic originals.

7 tracksStereo LP formatProduced by Blue NoteAvant-garde, Post Bop
#3 · 2024
LP, Limited Edition
The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow

Latest double LP exploring themes of nature and memory across 15 tracks including "Defiant, Tender Warrior" and "Cape To Cairo".

15 tracksDouble LPBlue Note labelLimited edition

Go further

Artists similar to Charles Lloyd

Artists who share part of Charles Lloyd's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Charles Lloyd

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"The saxophone can be a voice of both introspection and celebration."
— Charles Lloyd
01Studio

1964's Discovery! on Columbia Records

Charles Lloyd's 1964 debut album Discovery! was released on Columbia Records in mono format, marking his entry into recorded jazz history.

1964New York
02Live Recording

Manhattan Stories' 1965 NYC concerts

Manhattan Stories features live performances at Judson Hall and Slugs' Saloon in New York City, all recorded in 1965 and released decades later capturing Lloyd's live post-bop intensity.

1965New York City
03Jazz Festival

Tallinn Jazz Festival recording, 1970

The album In The Soviet Union captures Lloyd's 1970 performances at the Tallinn Jazz Festival, showcasing international reach during the Cold War era.

1970Tallinn
04Limited Pressing

Blue Note's 2024 Limited Edition LP

The 2024 Blue Note release The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow is issued as a limited edition double LP, with over 30 copies currently available on the secondary market at prices around €26.

2024United States
05Collaboration

Early blues collaborations

Lloyd began working with blues legends such as B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf, and Bobby "Blue" Bland before pivoting fully to jazz innovation.

1950sUnited States

Records by Charles Lloyd

See all

CDs by Charles Lloyd

Search all Charles Lloyd CDs

FAQ

FAQ: Charles Lloyd on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

Who is Charles Lloyd and where is he from?

Charles Lloyd is an American jazz saxophonist and flutist born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1938.

What genres of jazz does Charles Lloyd play?

His music spans free jazz, post-bop, avant-garde, and world fusion styles.

What are some essential vinyl albums by Charles Lloyd?

Notable vinyl albums include Manhattan Stories (2014), Trios: Sacred Thread (2022), and The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow (2024).

Are there limited or special editions available for Charles Lloyd's records?

Yes, releases like Manhattan Stories come as deluxe, numbered editions, and The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow has a limited edition LP pressing.

Where can I find rare Charles Lloyd vinyl in France?

French collectors can find authorized pressings of key albums like Trios: Sacred Thread available on wider European distributors and online.

How does the sound quality vary on Charles Lloyd vinyl editions?

Blue Note pressings are generally well-regarded for their mastering and pressing quality, offering clear and warm sound.

What are common instruments Charles Lloyd plays?

Charles Lloyd primarily plays tenor and alto saxophones and the flute.

What are some top tracks to listen to on Charles Lloyd vinyl?

Tracks like "Defiant, Tender Warrior," "How Can I Tell You," and "The Water Is Wide" are standout vinyl listening choices.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 03/07/2026