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Albert Ayler: Lorrach, Paris 1966

By Glenn Astarita
January 28, 2014
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Track review of "Our Prayer - Spirits Rejoice"

This is the third edition of the original pressing by hatOLOGY records, containing re-masters of tenor saxophonist

Albert Ayler

saxophone, tenor
1936 - 1970

" data-original-title="" title="">Albert Ayler's live performances in Lorrach, Germany, and live tracks recorded at the Paris jazz festival, culled from his 1966 European tour. In the liners, Peter Niklas Wilson asserts that the George Wein produced the "Newport in Europe" tour and that Ayler was given second-class accommodations, contrasting what was tendered to the likes of

Dave Brubeck

piano
1920 - 2012

" data-original-title="" title="">Dave Brubeck and

Stan Getz

saxophone, tenor
1927 - 1991

" data-original-title="" title="">Stan Getz. But it's also noted that the Ayler band was revered like pop stars, as violinist William Folwell states that, "In Rotterdam, people stormed the stage." And it is well- known that Ayler had a difficult time reckoning with much adversity concerning free-jazz, but declared that his mode of execution was shaped with spirituality in mind.

Ayler's divine persuasions are outwardly evident on "Our Prayer—Spirits Rejoice." Keeping with tradition, the artist integrates a primordial American march muse into the solemnness, commencing with trumpeter

Donald Ayler

trumpet
b.1942

" data-original-title="" title="">Donald Ayler's corpulent pronouncements, meshed with violinist William Folwell's streaming lines. Albert Ayler triumphantly elevates the pitch and momentum with surging choruses and popping notes, followed by plaintive cries and drummer

Beaver Harris

drums
b.1936

" data-original-title="" title="">Beaver Harris' swarming rhythms. Moving forward, the saxophonist summons a call to arms with regal and militaristic phrasings, softened by the harmonious group exchanges leading to the finale. Nearly five decades have passed, and Ayler's invigorating sound-designs and idiosyncratic technique remain fresh and somewhat unparalleled after all these years.

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Track Listing

Personnel

Albert Ayler

saxophone, tenor

Albert Ayler: tenor saxophone; Don Ayler: trumpet; Michel Samson: violin; William Folwell: bass; Beaver Harris: drums.

Album information

Title: Lorrach, Paris 1966 | Year Released: 2014 | Record Label: Hat Hut Records

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