1964 was a busy year for
Albert Ayler, who recorded at least seven albums worth of material. This particular session, a quartet date with trumpeter
Don Cherry, bassist
Gary Peacock and drummer
Sunny Murray, was probably his most significant of the period. Switching between tenor and alto, Ayler is often ferocious on the six performances, jumping from simple melodies (of which "Ghosts" is the most memorable) to intense sound explorations overflowing with emotion; he even makes
Cherry seem conservative. It helps greatly to have open ears to appreciate this music, although
Ayler's jams would become a bit more accessible the following year. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow