ALBERT AYLER TRIO – Spiritual Unity
ESP-DISK ESP1002
Albert Ayler (saxophone); Gary Peacock (bass); Sunny Murray (percussion)
Recorded New York City, July 10, 1964
It is difficult to believe that it is fifty years since this album was originally released, and the music contained in this commemorative reissue still has the power to surprise and startle the unwary. Oft billed as the first fully realised free jazz record, it retains none of the instantly hummable melodies that was a part of the music of Ornette Coleman, it has instead a ferocity of attack and phrasing that does not depict violence but a searching for a new way of communicating the roots of the music.
Careful listening reveal a deep respect for the history of the music, and it is not difficult to discern the influence of the music of New Orleans street bands, the blues and gospel. ‘Ghosts’ for all the inherent turbulence of the solos has one of those unforgettable melodies that stick in the mind, whilst ‘Spirits’ is unmistakably played as a ballad with Ayler’s vocalised tone crying out to be heard.
Of the original four tracks that made up the originally issued album (‘Ghost’ appears twice as two separate variations’), ‘The Wizard’ takes the music furthest out, but even then there remains a sense of coherence and tight control on proceedings. Indeed, this reissue will now be finding a new audience, and many will be astonished by what they hear. Murray’s drumming still sounds revelatory, and Gary Peacock’s bass playing is allowed a free rein yet still provides a basic pulse that Murray is at pains to eschew. The way that the three participants find their way in this often sparse yet action packed music is remarkable, playing with a sense of feeling for each other and the direction that the music was taking however unfamiliar it may have sounded at the time.
As a bonus, ESP-Disk have included the track ‘Vibrations’ that was inadvertently substituted for ‘Spirits’ on the early vinyl edition. If it does nothing to improve on the originally issued titles, it is a welcome, addition and for some introduction to that huge sound that Ayler coaxed from his tenor saxophone. In a word, this is indispensible listening.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
ESP-DISK ESP1002
Albert Ayler (saxophone); Gary Peacock (bass); Sunny Murray (percussion)
Recorded New York City, July 10, 1964
It is difficult to believe that it is fifty years since this album was originally released, and the music contained in this commemorative reissue still has the power to surprise and startle the unwary. Oft billed as the first fully realised free jazz record, it retains none of the instantly hummable melodies that was a part of the music of Ornette Coleman, it has instead a ferocity of attack and phrasing that does not depict violence but a searching for a new way of communicating the roots of the music.
Careful listening reveal a deep respect for the history of the music, and it is not difficult to discern the influence of the music of New Orleans street bands, the blues and gospel. ‘Ghosts’ for all the inherent turbulence of the solos has one of those unforgettable melodies that stick in the mind, whilst ‘Spirits’ is unmistakably played as a ballad with Ayler’s vocalised tone crying out to be heard.
Of the original four tracks that made up the originally issued album (‘Ghost’ appears twice as two separate variations’), ‘The Wizard’ takes the music furthest out, but even then there remains a sense of coherence and tight control on proceedings. Indeed, this reissue will now be finding a new audience, and many will be astonished by what they hear. Murray’s drumming still sounds revelatory, and Gary Peacock’s bass playing is allowed a free rein yet still provides a basic pulse that Murray is at pains to eschew. The way that the three participants find their way in this often sparse yet action packed music is remarkable, playing with a sense of feeling for each other and the direction that the music was taking however unfamiliar it may have sounded at the time.
As a bonus, ESP-Disk have included the track ‘Vibrations’ that was inadvertently substituted for ‘Spirits’ on the early vinyl edition. If it does nothing to improve on the originally issued titles, it is a welcome, addition and for some introduction to that huge sound that Ayler coaxed from his tenor saxophone. In a word, this is indispensible listening.
Reviewed by Nick Lea
