Albert Ayler: Lorrach, Paris 1966

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