ALBERT AYLER TRIO
Spiritual Unity (LP) (ESP Disk)
Reviewed by Sherman Wick

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Albert Ayler's groundbreaking 1964 free jazz LP on ESP is available once again. This record did, and will continue to, divide listeners; while it is a must have recording for lovers of avant-garde jazz, many jazz traditionalists will hear it as whole lot of racket.

Spiritual Unity was a record far ahead of its time when it was released. It is varied in its musical approach: at times it is subdued and meditative, but more often it is loud, dissonant and abrasive. For Ayler's style of free music on the saxophone, the trio is perfect. When he begins an extended caustic improvised solo, the lightning fast string bass played by Gary Peacock drives the song, while drummer Sunny Murray cements the sound together, or adds fills to further bring the point home. Four songs are presented on the record with the two versions of "Ghosts" as the center. Both variations of the song are built around a simple and beautiful saxophone riff, which is embellished through extensive improvisation by the band. After beginning the song at a moderate tempo, the saxophonist launches the solo into the stratosphere with runaway-train-speed runs. Peacock performs an incredible bass solo before Ayler appears to restate the theme and close the song. "The Wizard" features more mad honking and breakneck paced improvisation, as does "Spirits." But that not to say the sound is repetitive or dull; nothing could be further from the truth. Ayler establishes basic parameters for his songs: state the theme, embellish upon it, and creatively and dissonantly dissect the original theme. And that's where the interaction between the three musicians occurs - and that's a truly beautiful thing. Because that is the essence of jazz: improvisation. Improvisation is the connection between the free music of Ayler and New Orleans dixieland or bebop. And if the listener can accept that, then they will truly enjoy this record.

© 2005 - Sherman Wick