Record Reviews

ALBERT AYLER ~ REVELATIONS: THE COMPLETE ORTF 1970 FONDATION MAEGHT RECORDINGS ELEMENTAL MUSIC 5990443 (Barcode: 8435395503232) ~ USA ~ Free Jazz / Improvised Music Recorded: 1970 Released: 2022 This is an archive live album by iconic American saxophonist / composer Albert AylerFind albums by this artist, one of the Godfathers of Free Jazz / Improvised Music, recorded in France during two concerts on July 25 & 27, 1970. Ayler is accompanied by his wife, saxophonist / vocalist Mary ParksFind albums by this artist, bassist Steve TintweissFind albums by this artist and drummer Allen BlairmanFind albums by this artist, and on the second concert also pianist Call CobbsFind albums by this artist. The 4CD Box Set includes a superb 100-page booklet with in depth articles and beautiful photographs, and the music offers a pristine sound quality. Recorded just a few months prior to his tragically premature death, the music on this album offers a glimpse at the pinnacle of Ayler’s ingenuity and Genius. His role in the development of American Jazz has been always undermined by the fact that his recorded output was truly miniscule in comparison to the massive output generated by John ColtraneFind albums by this artist, who is traditionally almost singlehandedly credited for the development of Free Jazz / Improvised Music, but is fact Ayler was there ahead (time-wise) and way more innovative / radical. During his lifetime he remained almost completely unknown and underappreciated, even though Coltrane (and other innovators) recognized his immense talent. On this album Ayler returns to his musical sources, with strong spiritual influence and even spoken words / lyrics, which reflect his strong ties to Church music, Rhythm And Blues and Bebop, before exploring the Free Jazz experimentation in the 1960s. However, his lengthy improvisations are as fiery and explosive as one can imagine. The musicians taking part in this session, although less prominent, are all excellent and support the leader amicably. Naturally the focus of the music is Ayler’s incredible improvisational power. Overall, this is a wonderful piece of Jazz history, miraculously preserved in perfect condition and now available for us to enjoy and admire. It is of course a must for Free Jazz / Improvised Music enthusiasts, and offers a beacon of light on one of the greatest American Jazz musicians, who is sadly rarely in the limelight.

Updated: 13/12/2024Posted: 13/12/2024

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