Spiritual Unity

Spiritual Unity is an album by the American jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, with bassist Gary Peacock and percussionist Sunny Murray. It was recorded for the ESP-Disk label and was a key free jazz recording which brought Ayler to international attention as it was so "shockingly different". It features two versions of Ayler's most famous composition, "Ghosts".

Recording

The single recording session that resulted in Spiritual Unity was ESP's first. It was on July 10, 1964, in the Variety Arts Recording Studio, off Times Square in New York. The session began some time after one in the afternoon. "At one point," according to the record label, "the engineer fled the control room for a few minutes, but returned in time to change the tape for the next selection". Although label owner Bernard Stollman remembered asking for a stereo recording, the session, well mixed and miked, was in mono. The musicians were paid and signed recording agreements after the session, in a nearby cafe.

Reception

Spiritual Unity (Marc Ribot album)

Spiritual Unity is a 2005 album by Marc Ribot released on Pi Recordings. The album features compositions by Albert Ayler who Ribot identifies as a significant influence. It was recorded at Orange Music Sound Studio, West Orange, New Jersey on October 28, 2004, except "Bells", which was recorded live at Tonic in New York City on October 27, 2004.

Reception

The Allmusic review by Sean Westergaard awarded the album 4 stars stating "Ayler's time on earth was far too short, but Ribot and company show that this music still lives on in the present moment, not simply as a relic of the past. Spiritual Unity isn't for the timid, but Ayler fans will find a lot to enjoy".

Track listing

All compositions are by Albert Ayler.

Personnel

References

See also

Spiritual Unity