I have been living with this photograph of Bird for nearly 70 years. It reflects so much about Charlie Parker, conceived in Memphis & born in Kansas City on this day 105 years ago. He flew into modernity with invention & elan. Bird & Prez, remain two of my pillars of inspiration

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Memphis in the house! Gerald Wilson, born on September 4, 1918, one of our great composers, arranger and bandleader. Don Cherry brought me to a rehearsal when I was at USC in the mid 1950s - I sheltered under his broad wings of knowledge and beauty until I left for New York City.

Born on this day, John Cage, who touched down for a time and left us with an open landscape of vast spaces, moments of tenderness and delight, darkening clouds and bursts of sunlight. photo by, Roberto Masotti

Happy Birthday Maestro Sonny Rollins! Your path and sound have inspired multitudes around the world. Wishing you peace and good health. Deep respect for your contribution to our indigenous art form. Sonny Rollins

I love this man. Born on this day, the very great, one of a kind, Elvin Jones. Always a blessing to be in his esteemed presence and an even greater blessing to make music with him. He could stretch the boundaries and soar to the hyperions. A fierce and gentle lion. We miss you.

“Sheer perfection from veteran jazz genius… Lloyd’s late flowering continues bountifully with a new trio featuring pianist Jason Moran & guitarist Marvin Sewell”—UNCUT (9/10) Charles Lloyd "Figure In Blue" is out Oct. 10! Pre-order & hear the title track charleslloyd.lnk.to/FigureInBlue

Happy Birthday to the soulful Don Was, whose heart is swimming in a deep sea of music and love. Blue Note Records

Born on this day, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley. This was an important period in my development. We traveled the country in station wagons 52 weeks a year - every night we brought all that we could to the bandstand. It was my honor to be there for a time. youtube.com/watch?v=pNVpPu…

Thank you Everything Jazz!

This track is an homage to Zakir Hussain who lives in my heart. His departure on Dec 15 last year was shortly before I went into the studio w @thejasonmoran and Marvin Sewell - this is the first track we recorded. One take. You can preorder the full album Blue Note Records

Love, if ever in a lifetime, is a resource, source without end. My love for Zakir Hussain is boundless.

Listen: Charles Lloyd Pays Tribute to Late Sangam Bandmate on New Single “Hymn to The Mother, For Zakir” More: relix.com/news/detail/li…

Born on this day the drummer Chico Hamilton. Buddy Collette recommended me to replace Eric Dolphy. Chico made me music director-I brought in Gabor Szabo, Albert Stenson+ George Bohanon. This track fuels a stormy Liz Taylor my neighbor for a time in Malibu youtube.com/watch?v=t6uc2p…

.Charles Lloyd pays homage to the late, great tabla master Zakir Hussain with his transcendent new single “Hymn To The Mother, for Zakir” from the legendary saxophonist's forthcoming album "Figure In Blue" featuring Jason Moran & Marvin Sewell. Listen: charleslloyd.lnk.to/HymnToTheMother

Once a salt doll went to measure the depth of the ocean. It wanted to tell others how deep it the water was. But this it could never do, for no sooner did it get into the water than it melted. Now who was there to report the ocean’s depth. Ramakrishna

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All my relations, I hope to see you on the trails.

California December 13 & 15 Gerald Clayton #larrygrenadier #kwekusumbry Soka Performing Arts Center #bluenotelosangeles Blue Note Records