via Billboard
Continuing its mission to honor “jazz and blues … one musician at a time,” the Jazz Foundation of America (JFA) celebrated the legacies of longtime industry executive Clarence Avant, tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd and pianist-producer-composer Dave Grusin at its annual fundraiser on June 25. The combination dinner, live auction and concert was held at Los Angeles club Vibrato Grill Jazz.
In paying tribute to Lloyd’s unparalleled versatility, John Densmore noted that the tenor sax guru had recorded with Densmore’s group The Doors. Densmore then brought acclaimed saxophonist/composer Joshua Redmond onstage. With accompaniment from Rushen, Jordan and Al, Redmond delivered a riveting performance of Lloyd’s “Sax/Drums Duet” and “Forest Flower”followed by “Defiant,” which also featured musicians Dean Parks and Greg Leisz.
In addressing why he, a singer-songwriter, was presenting Lloyd’s award, rock icon Jackson Browne said, “I’m of a generation that grew up with jazz being performed at clubs like the Fillmore and at festivals … It’s been an honor and great gift to hear your music for all of these years.” Calling the award “a very touching and great honor,” Lloyd noted to audience laughter, “I never got good enough to quit. But I love music so much; it can change the world. And I believe in that.”