Charles Lloyd with Larry Grenadier. and Jason Moran

Born in Memphis, Charles Lloyd is a jazz saxophonist known for blending jazz with folk, rock, and global traditions. Celebrated for albums like "Forest Flower," he gained fame in the 1960s. Lloyd collaborated with legends like Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette and formed the Marvels with Bill Frisell. Awarded Jazz Artist of the Year by DownBeat, he toured with major acts like Jimi Hendrix. His later works feature collaborations with Lucinda Williams and exploration in trio formats, solidifying his stature as an innovative elder jazz statesman.

Houston-born jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran is renowned for his innovative fusion of jazz with genres like blues, hip-hop, and classical. His influential albums, including Soundtrack to Human Motion and Ten, garnered critical acclaim. A MacArthur Genius grant recipient, Moran has collaborated with artists like Meshell Ndegeocello and Archie Shepp. He's also composed scores for works like Ava Duvernay’s film Selma and engaged in interdisciplinary projects with visual artists. Known for his genre-defying style, Moran has become a pivotal figure in modern jazz.