Albert Ayler - 1971 - Swing Low Sweet Spiritual

Albert Ayler

1971

Swing Low Sweet Spiritual

01. Going Home 4:23
02. Old Man River, Take 2 5:29
03. Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen 4:49
04. When The Saints Go Marching In 4:29
05. Swing Low Sweet Spiritual 4:30
06. Deep River 4:15
07. Old Man River, Take 1 3:59

Bass – Henry Grimes
Drums – Sunny Murray
Piano – Call Cobbs
Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone – Albert Ayler

Recorded at Atlantic Studios, New York City, February 24, 1964

This LP contains one of Albert Ayler's most unusual projects. The free jazz tenor/innovator (who doubles here on his less-assured soprano) performs six traditional melodies including "Going Home," two versions of "Old Man River," "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen," and even "When the Saints Go Marching In." Ayler works well with his backup group (pianist Call Cobbs, bassist Henry Grimes, and drummer Sunny Murray) and creates very emotional music

This was recorded the same day as the Spirits/Witches & Devils session and when it was finally released it didnt excite many. I certainly know a few close friends who consider this some of the worst Ayler. However, I always found it quite a fascinating set. Something of a tribute to his roots, with Ayler on Tenor and Soprano.

Not Ayler's most sonically adventurous recording, certainly, but rewarding nonetheless if approached from the correct angle. We are in a southern church, not a New York nightclub. Call Cobbs is the ancient pianist who's been playing this stuff for over half a century, Ayler the young upstart, powerful and emotional. The rhythm section is exotic, for sure, but respectful. Can we have 'Ole Man River' again, please?