Photo: D Darr

Jazz great Charles Lloyd will release his forthcoming double album, Figure in Blue, on October 10, 2025. A new troupe of instrumentalists joins the celebrated saxophonist, Jason Maron (piano) and Marvin Sewell (guitar), to stir up ballads in honor of the Delta blues and earnest tributes to Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Zakir Hussain. The tabla master is the subject of today’s single release, the stirring and emotive, “Hymn to The Mother, For Zakir.” 

The impending collection strikes a balance between the positioning of new original compositions and specialty choice selections that pay homage to the influential artists and musicians who have shaped Lloyd’s regard for others, functioning like a memoir that tells a candid saxophone-led tale. At 87 years old, Lloyd leans into the very best of his talents, a natural ability to conjure ethereal soundscapes with a meditative quality that promotes repeat listens. 

Like a memoir, each track has a story, including “Hymn to The Mother, For Zakir,” an atmospheric glide through the heavens, and Lloyd’s nod to his late collaborator and bandmate in Sangam, who passed away in December 2024. 

“‘Hymn To The Mother’ is a piece I have been performing for many decades now—and had performed at every concert with Zakir. When we went into the studio, losing him was still very fresh. I wanted to start the recording session with an offering to him,” says Lloyd via press release. “I miss everything about Zakir: his friendship, his humanity, his humor, his deep understanding of the whole thing. He was a deeply spiritual Being.”

Listen below—pre-order Figure in Blue.