Spiritual Unity

Marc Ribot – Spiritual Unity

Ribot takes on several Ayler classics along with onetime Ayler bassist Henry Grimes, trumpeter Roy Campbell and Chicago drummer Chad Taylor. Given the body of work of these musicians, it’s not surprising that Ayler’s harsh, explosive tone isn’t present on this disc. What is present is the broad intensity of Ayler’s playing (also not surprising given this lineup). The lack of overblowing also amplifies the playful themes of the tunes, which could be a nice intro to Ayler’s work for those who are put off by the sound of the original recordings. Excellent stuff.

1. Slow, tense start then an improv flurry
2. Wild improv ends with a chipper burst of the theme
3. Stately, restrained intro builds to wild improv
4. Subdued, abstract rumbling
5. Bouncy theme after an abstract start

Ben B 5/25/05