Live recordings from 1965 in New York City that capture Lloyd's post-bop style with iconic extended tracks.
Artist page · 03/07/2026
Charles Lloyd
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.
Blue Note · 2025
Blue Note · 2024
Blue Note · 2022
Blue Note · 2022
Blue Note · 2022
Blue Note · 2022
Blue Note · 2015
Resonance Records · 2014
ECM Records · 2013
ECM Records · 2011
ECM Records · 2006
ECM Records · 2005
ECM Records · 2004
ECM Records · 2002
ECM Records · 2001
ECM Records · 2000
ECM Records · 1999
Columbia · 1998
ECM Records · 1997
ECM Records · 1995
Atlantic Jazz · 1994
ECM Records · 1993
ECM Records · 1992
ADC Records · 1979
Pacific Arts · 1978
Blue Thumb Records · 1974
A&M Records · 1973
A&M Records · 1972
Kapp Records · 1971
Kapp Records · 1970
Atlantic · 1970
Atlantic · 1969
Atlantic · 1968
Columbia · 1968
Atlantic · 1967
Columbia · 1964Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Charles Lloyd's career.

The essentials
The 3 Charles Lloyd albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
Studio album blending avant-garde and post-bop jazz in intimate trio settings with 7 tracks featuring thematic originals.
Latest double LP exploring themes of nature and memory across 15 tracks including "Defiant, Tender Warrior" and "Cape To Cairo".
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Records by Charles Lloyd
See allCDs 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
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.

