Albert Ayler - 1970 - Nuits De La Fondation Maeght

Albert Ayler

1970

Nuits De La Fondation Maeght Volumes 1 & 2

Volume One

01. In Heart Only 4:55
02. Spirits 14:15
03. Holy Family 10:10
04. Spirits Rejoice 6:57

Volume Two

01. Truth Is Marching In 7:25
02. Universal Message 8:05
03. Spiritual Reunion 7:35
04. Music Is The Healing Force Of The Universe 8:15

Bass – Steve Tintweiss
Drums – Allen Blairman
Piano – Call Cobbs
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Albert Ayler
Vocals, Soprano Saxophone – Mary Maria

Recorded at St Paul de Vence, July 27, 1970.

Digitally remastered reissue featuring two classic albums by the late Albert Ayler (both originally released on the French Shandar label). Albert Ayler with Mary Maria, Call Cobbs, Steve Tintweiss & Allen Blairman recorded live in France at the Foundation Maeght in St. Paul de Vence (July 25th & 27th, 1970). Stellar live performances capturing his two last gigs ever. 

This CD (contrary to the misleading title listed on amazon.com) is in fact the entire two volume release of "Nuits de la Fondation Maeght" on one CD. The last recorded performance from Albert Ayler, this shows him returning closer to the form of the mid-60s than his late '60s flirtation with rock music.

Accompanied by Call Cobbs (piano), the nearly inaudible Steve Tintweiss (bass), and unsympathetic drummer Alan Blairman, Ayler manages to overcome a number of obstacles and puts together a great performance. Cobbs performs largely in a gospel (or almost baroque) vein, and is very much in concert with Ayler's idiom as the leader wails, largely avoiding the polyphonics he was known for in favor of more linear lines, exclusively on the tenor. He plays with a fire and passion, exploring the extreme upper register of the instrument. Unfortuantely, neither Tintweiss nor Blairman seem particularly interested in playing what Ayler is playing-- this is most readily apparent on "Holy Family", one of the few songs where the bass is audible-- its as though the two of them are playing a totally different song, in particular Blairman.

Still, even without any real support, Ayler and Cobb manage a staggering performance-- Ayler is particularly passionate on searing theme statements for "In Heart Only", "Spirits Rejoice", and "Truth is Marching In", and the two turn out a stunning pairing (regardless of the out of place accompaniment) on "Spirits" (which sounds to me like variations on "New Ghosts" from "New Grass"). Mary Parks shows up for one track, the set closer "Music is the Healing Force of the Universe"-- her presence is additive and the song is decent enough.

Overall, this is a decent live record-- it could be better were the bassist and drummer in step with Ayler. Sonicaly, this edition is superb, the sound is crisp and clean, stunningly so for a live recording of this era. This is not a good place to begin digging for Ayler, but for fans, even those who dislike his late period, this is a great recording.