"Spirits Rejoice" is a live album by the pioneering free jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, recorded in 1965 and released on ESP Disk' on October 26, 2012. This dynamic and spirited album captures Ayler's large septet configuration, featuring his brother Donald Ayler on trumpet, Charles Tyler on alto saxophone, Sunny Murray on drums, and an unusual double bass lineup with both Henry Grimes and Gary Peacock. The album is a testament to Ayler's innovative and boundary-pushing approach to jazz, blending elements of free jazz, avant-garde, and hard bop.
The album's title track, "Spirits Rejoice," sets the tone with its energetic and exuberant performance, showcasing Ayler's distinctive tenor saxophone playing. "Holy Family," a short piece added at the request of ESP founder Bernard Stollman, offers a brief but intense moment of reflection. "D.C." is a longer, more exploratory piece that highlights the ensemble's collective improvisation skills. "Angels" brings a more melodic and accessible feel, while "Prophet" closes the album with a powerful and spirited performance.
"Spirits Rejoice" is a landmark recording that stands alongside other seminal works by jazz innovators like Ornette Coleman, Charlie Mingus, and Sun Ra. It's a vibrant and creative celebration of the urge to make noise, capturing the raw energy and emotional depth of Ayler's music. The album's live setting adds an extra layer of intensity and spontaneity, making it a captivating listen for both jazz enthusiasts and those new to the genre.
This is a 2013 Reissue Remastered released as a LP.
