All My Relations

Recorded in July 1994 and released in 1995, All My Relations represents a peak in Charles Lloyd's mid-career renaissance on the ECM label. Following his return from a decade-long retreat in Big Sur, Lloyd assembled a formidable 'European' quartet featuring Swedish pianist Bobo Stenson and bassist Anders Jormin, alongside American drumming legend Billy Hart. This lineup is celebrated for its ability to bridge the gap between the fiery avant-garde explorations of the 1960s and a more refined, chamber-jazz aesthetic. The album's title and themes reflect Lloyd's deep interest in Native American spirituality and Eastern philosophy, particularly evident in the 15-minute 'Cape to Cairo Suite' and the closing 'Milarepa.' Critically, it is viewed as a foundational document of 1990s spiritual jazz, praised for its pristine production and the exceptional chemistry between Lloyd and Stenson.