Spiritual Unity

Jazz | May 2005

Reviews

Ben
Reviewed 2005-06-07
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

Recent airplay

Invocation
Umami Jazz ProgramAug 22, 2006
Spirits
Umami Jazz ProgramApr 11, 2006
Spirits
Umami Jazz ProgramAug 09, 2005
Truth Is Marching in
lick my moody guitarJul 26, 2005
Invocation
Memory SelectJul 22, 2005
Invocation
Lick My Moody GuitarJul 19, 2005

Charting

2005-06-05 — 2005-08-07 Jazz
Week EndingAirplays
Jul 31 1
Jul 24 2
Jul 17 2
Jul 10 2
Jul 3 1
Jun 26 3
Jun 19 3
Jun 12 5

Track listing

1. Invocation
2. Spirits
3. Truth Is Marching in
4. Saints
5. Bells