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Legendary saxophonist Charles Lloyd will perform on November 30 (Sunday) at 8pm at the Concert Hall, Hong Kong City Hall.

The concert, presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, is the fifth in this year's Jazz Up Series.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, into a tradition rich in river culture and musical heritage saturated in blues, gospel and jazz, Lloyd was given his first saxophone at nine. He played jazz with saxophonist George Coleman in his teens and has accompanied blues greats Johnny Ace, Howlin' Wolf and BB King.

In the late 1950s, Lloyd anticipated the World Music movement by incorporating multicultural rhythm into his compositions He still sees his music-making as a mission. In his mid-sixties, he is still bursting with enthusiasm and vitality, while his own experiences and the world's current situation is reflected in his music.

Over nearly four decades, Lloyd's compositions have embraced post-bop, the traditional music of a host of world cultures and the psychedelic sixties with his own brand of avant-garde improvisation. With his album, "Forest Flower", he was one of the first jazz artists to sell a million records.

Lloyd has maintained an active touring schedule over the years. The year 2001 ended on a high note with his performance at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. Tickets for the first concert were sold out a month in advance, it was also the first time in the festival's history that a performance in the cathedral series was sold out.

Also taking part in the Hong Kong concert are pianist Geri Allen, guitarist John Abercrombie, bassist Robert Hurst and drummer Eric Harland.

The last Jazz Up concert will bring together Tamaya Honda, Steve Hunter, Ulf Wakenius and Ted Lo on December 17, and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell makes his Hong Kong debut on Friday (October 24) with the band, The Intercontinentals.

Tickets for "Charles Lloyd" priced at $400, $270 and $150 are available at all URBTIX outlets. Half-priced tickets are available for senior citizens, people with disabilities, full-time students and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (Limited tickets for students and CSSA recipients are available on a first-come, first-served basis). A 10% discount is available for each purchase of standard tickets for the three concerts - "Charles Lloyd", "Bill Frisell and The Intercontinentals", and "Tamaya Honda, Steve Hunter, Ulf Wakenius and Ted Lo". Friends of LCSD performing venues are also entitled to 10% off.

Box Seats and Lounge Packages are available for private gatherings. For details, call 2268 7235.

A pre-concert talk given by Charles Lloyd and John Abercrombie will be held on November 29 (Saturday) at 4pm at the Recital Hall of Hong Kong City Hall. It is free for admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

For programme enquiries, call 2268 7321, and for ticketing enquiries and reservations call 2734 9009. Internet booking of tickets is available at www.urbtix.gov.hk. For credit card telephone bookings, call 2111 5999. Visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/cp for more information on the programme.

Ends/Tuesday, October 21, 2003

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