The New Jazz Musings

 Albert Ayler's first record for Impulse was a live recording. Taped at the Village Vanguard in December 1966 and the Village Theater in February 1967 it became the last record of his most critically acclaimed musical period (albeit much of this acclaim came after his death), and before he changed direction. A wonderful record, it's really interesting to have two contemporary reviews. One is from Elisabeth van der Mei, a definite "New Thing" believer (see her separate Pharoah Sanders interview). The other from the un-believer (or not convinced) side, but shows how you could be swept away by an Ayler live concert.  Unfortunately I don't have the review sources, which come from a bound folder of Ayler interviews, magazine articles, album and live reviews I recently acquired. The Village Theater review ties in well, the Village Vanguard review looks to be several months prior, but still contemporary. Albert Ayler Village Theater, New York City Personnel: Donald Ayler...

The December '66 issue of Britain's Jazz Monthly featured an interview with Albert and Don Ayler by Val Wilmer. As in previous years, Albert Ayler was bemoaning the lack of widespread acceptance and commercial success in the US, and comparing it to Europe. Still almost poverty stricken, they gave a strident interview in support of their Music as Art. Another interesting point was Albert's answer on classical music. Unlike other jazz musicians such as John Coltrane or Charlie Parker, who would listen to and learn from Igor Stravinsky, Albert was likely talking about Charles Ives, who I think was a big influence. Not just in the incorporation of marching band music, but also in identifying with another US musician who didn't get major respect or recognition during his lifetime. ON A RECENT visit to New York I had the good fortune to spend some time talking with Albert Ayler and his trumpeter brother Don. I call it fortunate because the Aylers are not often in New Yo...