Slugs' Saloon by Albert Ayler

A live recording of Ayler’s May 1st, 1966 performance at Slugs Saloon, this two disc set features fresh takes on old favorites, such as “Ghosts” and “Bells”, and finds the seasoned quintet in stellar form, marching its way through Ayler’s distinctive brand of major triad melodic harmony to the greatest heights of individual expression and group improvisation.
Please note that other recent reissues of this date, by Fruit Tree and Lone Hill, are neither authorized by the Ayler Estate, nor – in the case of the latter – musically complete.


Personnel

Albert Ayler: tenor saxophone
Donald Ayler: trumpet
Michel Samson: violin
Lewis Worrell: string bass
Ron Jackson: percussion



All works Syndicore Music BMI.

Credits

Digital restoration: Douglas McGregor. Back cover layout and design by Paul Costuros. Recorded on May 1, 1966.


Press Quotes

"While Ayler fans no doubt possess this music in some form, the uninitiated would be indeed gratified as well as educated by investigating them. Energetically and dynamically, there is simply nothing like them." - Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
"Concert-culled Ayler is such finite merchandise that nearly all examples are valuable. This set is especially so as the sole opportunity so far to hear a legendary band operating at a communal peak." - Derek Taylor, Dusted Reviews

Tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler, one of the most controversial and polarizing musicians in the history of jazz, pioneered a new style of playing and became an icon of "free jazz." The playing of both Ayler and his band mates was of such great spontaneity and imagination that no two performances are remotely the same beyond their themes -- and their emotional intensity.