Dive into the extraordinary world of Albert Ayler with "The Albert Ayler Story," a captivating journey through the life and music of one of the most influential figures in free jazz. Released on August 28, 2015, this comprehensive collection spans over two and a half hours, offering a deep and intimate look into Ayler's innovative approach to jazz.
The album is a unique blend of genres, including free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop, showcasing Ayler's versatility and groundbreaking contributions to the genre. It features a mix of interviews and musical performances, providing a well-rounded perspective on Ayler's artistic journey and his impact on the music world.
From his early childhood and time in the army to his experiences in Sweden and collaborations with legendary musicians like Cecil Taylor and John Coltrane, the album offers a chronological narrative of Ayler's life. The interviews with Ayler himself, as well as with his contemporaries and collaborators, provide valuable insights into his creative process and the evolution of his sound.
Musical highlights include powerful performances of tracks like "Spirits," "Ghosts," "Spirits Rejoice," and "Bells," demonstrating Ayler's distinctive style and emotional depth. The album also features contributions from other notable artists such as Sunny Murray, Don Cherry, Milford Graves, and Burton Greene, adding layers of richness to the overall listening experience.
"The Albert Ayler Story" is not just a collection of music; it's a testament to Albert Ayler's enduring legacy and his pivotal role in shaping the landscape of modern jazz. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this album offers a compelling and enlightening exploration of one of the most visionary musicians of the 20th century.
2015 ESP-Disk' Ltd.2015 ESP-Disk' Ltd.
Tracks
Albert Ayler Interview: Early Childhood/The Army 1960, Part 1Albert Ayler
TenderlyU.S. Army 76th Adjutant General's Band
A. Ayler Interview: The Army 1960, Part 2/Sweden 1962, Part 1Albert Ayler
SummertimeHerbert Katz Quintet
Albert Ayler Interview: Sweden, Part 2Albert Ayler
Sunny Murray Interview: Europe 1962/Cecil Taylor, Part 1Sunny Murray
Four: Albert Ayler Solo SectionThe Cecil Taylor Quintet
Sunny Murray Interview: Cecil Taylor, Part 2Sunny Murray
Albert Ayler Interview: Playing with the Candy Greene Band 1962Albert Ayler
Bernard Stollman Interview: The Cellar Café 6-14-64Bernard Stollman
SpiritsAlbert Ayler
Bernard Stollman Interview: Meeting Albert Ayler/Spiritual Unity, Part 1Bernard Stollman
Ghosts (First Variation)Albert Ayler
Bernard Stollman Interview: Spiritual Unity, Part 2Bernard Stollman
Albert Ayler Interview: After the Spiritual Unity recordingAlbert Ayler
Milford Graves Interview: The New Black MusicMilford Graves
Milford Graves Interview: Bernard Stollman and ESP-Disk'Milford Graves
Bernard Stollman Interview: Michael Snow/Film: Walking WomanBernard Stollman
I.T.T.Albert Ayler Sextet
Sunny Murray Interview: Explains the film Walking WomanSunny Murray
Don Cherry Interview: Meeting Albert AylerDon Cherry
Albert Ayler Interview: Ollie Vestegard/Denmark 9-30-64Albert Ayler
VibrationsAlbert Ayler
Albert Ayler Interview: John Coltrane and Eric DolphyAlbert Ayler
GhostsAlbert Ayler
Don Cherry Interview: Seeing Albert Ayler in 1964Don Cherry
Bernard Stollman Interview: Meeting Don Cherry and Albert AylerBernard Stollman
Albert Ayler Interview: Sympathy for Sunny MurrayAlbert Ayler
Milford Graves Interview: Hanging out with AlbertMilford Graves
Albert Ayler Interview: Adding His Brother Donald Ayler to the GroupAlbert Ayler
Bernard Stollman Interview: The Town Hall Concert/Bells, Part 1Bernard Stollman
Bells (Excerpt)Albert Ayler Quintet
Bernard Stollman Interview: Bells, Part 2Bernard Stollman
Milford Graves Interview: The Town Hall ConcertMilford Graves
Bernard Stollman Interview: Spirits Rejoice, Part 1Bernard Stollman
Spirits RejoiceAlbert Ayler Septet
Bernard Stollman Interview: Spirits Rejoice, Part 2/Play a Short TuneBernard Stollman
Holy FamilyAlbert Ayler Septet
Bernard Stollman Interview: Spirits Rejoice, Part 3Bernard Stollman
Bernard Stollman Interview: Albert Ayler Introduces Patty WatersBernard Stollman
Bernard Stollman Interview: Albert Ayler Live at Slug’s SaloonBernard Stollman
Truth Is Marching InAlbert Ayler Quintet
Burton Greene Interview: Albert Ayler Playing with Burton Greene at Slugs' Saloon, Part 1Burton Greene
UntitledBurton Greene Collective
Burton Greene Interview: Albert Ayler Playing with Burton Greene at Slug’s Saloon, Part 2Burton Greene