Forest Flower cover

Forest Flower

Charles Lloyd

38 min · 5 tracks · blues

A meditative blend of jazz improvisation and bluesy undertones, evoking the tranquility of nature's shifting rhythms.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Forest Flower - Sunrise — This opening track encapsulates the album's spirit with its tranquil melodies and intricate improvisation, setting an introspective tone that characterizes Lloyd's approach throughout.
  • →
    Sorcery — Featuring ethereal saxophone lines accompanied by fluid rhythms, this track highlights Lloyd's ability to weave a tapestry of sound that invites deep contemplation.
  • →
    Forest Flower - Sunset — This piece serves as a beautiful counterpoint to the opening track, portraying a reflective journey through rich harmonies and dynamic shifts that evoke the day's end.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100
Alpine
Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong improvisation and dynamic interplay, marking it as a notable entry in jazz history.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track often exceeding ten minutes in length, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
  • The first track opens with a serene melody that gradually builds in intensity, while the final track returns to a more subdued tone, creating a sense of closure.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • serene morning reflections
  • nature-inspired tranquil vibes
  • gentle improvisation for relaxation
  • meditative soundscape exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy engagement
  • prefer fast-paced listening

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1966, Forest Flower marked Charles Lloyd's breakthrough album, propelling him into the spotlight as a leading voice in jazz. This live recording captured his innovative sound at the Fillmore West during a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his unique blend of jazz with elements from various genres.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Forest Flower - Sunrise 7:17
  • 2 Forest Flower - Sunset 10:19
  • 3 Sorcery 5:11
  • 4 Song of Her 5:16
  • 5 East of the Sun 10:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata