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Albert Ayler: New York Eye and Ear Control Revisited
In 1964, Ayler, Peacock, and Murray had recorded the signature albums Spirits (Debut Records)—which has also been called Witches & Devils—Prophecy (ESP Disk), and Spiritual Unity (ESP Disk). This session is decidedly different with no solos, yet each individual voice and identity is clear. You cannot fail to recognize Ayler's paint-peeling tenor and Murray's free-floating time, as well as the the alto of Tchicai, who would later play on Coltrane's Ascension. Cherry had recently joined Ayler's quartet in 1964 and would accompany him on a European tour and maybe, just maybe, this session was the catalyst for that tour. The disc opens with brief (minute long) "Don's Dawn," a duo between Cherry and Peacock, before the flood gates open into the rawness of "A Y" and "ITT." While both trade in dissonance and cacophony, the music applies the raw materials of Ayler's sound, that Gospel growl of a hungry ghost. Was this music the inspiration and stimulus for UK groups like AMM and Spontaneous Music Ensemble (SME)? Arguably, yes. Ayler's influence on artists such as Charles Gayle, John Dikeman, and Mats Gustafsson is quite apparent here. The cornerstone of collective improvisation is laid down here and its varied forms spread to London, Wuppertal and Amsterdam, before reappearing in the US.
Track Listing
Don’s Dawn; A Y; ITT.
Personnel
Albert Ayler
saxophone, tenor
Don Cherry
trumpet
John Tchicai
saxophone
Roswell Rudd
trombone
Gary Peacock
bass, acoustic
Sunny Murray
drumsAlbum information
Title: New York Eye And Ear Control Revisited | Year Released: 2021 | Record Label: Ezz-thetics
About Albert Ayler
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