Albert Ayler - Spirits Rejoice (1975 Japanese ESP-Disk' Stereo LP)

Vinyl: NM
Sleeve: EX
Obi: None

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Photo is of the actual item.

Albert Ayler - Spirits Rejoice Vinyl LP - 1975 Japanese ESP-Disk' Stereo Reissue - still in original shrink wrap

Albert Ayler's September 1965 concert at New York's Judson Hall captures his quintet in full spiritual flight, the ensemble expanded to include his brother Donald Ayler on trumpet, alto saxophonist Charles Tyler, two bassists (Gary Peacock and Henry Grimes), harpsichordist Call Cobbs, and percussionist Sunny Murray. This larger configuration allows Ayler's compositional vision greater scope, the five tracks building from simple, hymn-like themes into ecstatic collective improvisations that push free jazz's boundaries. Released in Japan in 1975 by Nippon Phonogram under license from ESP-Disk' and distributed through Hara Music, this stereo pressing documents Ayler at a peak of creativity and spiritual expression.

The title track "Spirits Rejoice" exemplifies Ayler's approach: a folk-like melody stated by the horns dissolves into intense collective exploration, all three horn players (Albert and Donald Ayler, Tyler) pushing into extreme registers and timbres while the dual basses and Murray's percussion create waves of rhythmic intensity. The presence of Call Cobbs' harpsichord adds an almost baroque texture to proceedings, connecting Ayler's spiritual searching to earlier musical traditions. "Holy Family" and "Angels" continue the spiritual themes, Ayler's stated goal of reaching something primal and transcendent through music evident in every track.

Donald Ayler's trumpet provides a second voice in Albert's sonic universe, their familial connection translating into intuitive musical interaction. Tyler's alto saxophone adds a third horn voice, creating dense polyphonic textures during ensemble passages. The dual bass configuration of Peacock and Grimes creates rhythmic and harmonic depth rarely heard in free jazz contexts.