Name: Prophecy
Brand: Albert Ayler

Tax rate EU

Default:19

Supplier EU

375 Media

Total Cap

Format detail

Colour details

Discogs ID

Limited edition

Colour

Format Music EU

Extended format

Extended format: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Download code

Download code: No

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Release date

2017-06-02

Format multiplier

Catalogue number

5144001

UPC / Barcode

825481303019

Artist

Albert Ayler

Label EU

Esp Disk

Genre EU

Rock-Pop

Albert Ayler was an influential American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer, and composer. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 13, 1936, he was the older brother of Donald Ayler. Known for his unique style and innovative approach to music, Ayler pushed the boundaries of traditional jazz with his free-form improvisations. Tragically, on November 25, 1970, his body was found floating in the East River in Brooklyn.
Ayler's contributions to the world of jazz are immeasurable. His powerful saxophone playing and soulful singing captivated audiences around the globe. He fearlessly experimented with different sounds and techniques, creating a distinctive sound that defied categorization. Throughout his career, Ayler released numerous albums that showcased his talent as both a performer and composer.
Although his life ended prematurely at just 34 years old, Albert Ayler left behind a lasting legacy in the world of music. His influence can still be heard today in the work of countless musicians who continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions within jazz and beyond.

New York based experimental, avant-garde, and free-jazz label ESP Disk was founded in 1963 by Bernard Stollman. Originally known as Esperanto-Disk, the name was shortened to ESP-Disk'. Although it faced financial challenges in the US, the label gained recognition in Europe and Japan through licensing agreements. In 1992, Stollman licensed the catalog to German label ZYX Music for reissues on CD. The Japanese label Venus Records also licensed a number of titles. Subsequently, there were brief licensing agreements with Dutch label Calibre and Italian label Abraxas. Since 2005, ESP Disk of New York has resumed manufacturing and is releasing reissues, previously unreleased material, and new releases.

The label had several addresses over the years: 
<ul>
<li>180 Riverside Drive (1964-1966)</li>
<li>5 Riverside Drive (inbetween addresses)</li>
<li>156 Fifth Avenue (1966-1969)</li>
<li>300 W. 55 (1970)</li>
<li>Acorn Hill House, Krumville (1969-1972)</li>
<li>290 West End Ave (1973-1975)</li></ul>

ESP Disk's discography includes numerous notable releases spanning from ESP-1002 to ESP-3021.

ESP Disk

Newest Listed Items

Albert Ayler's trio with Gary Peacock and Sunny Murray is best known for the July 10, 1964, recording of 'Spiritual Unity', the album that made both Ayler and ESP-Disk' famous when it was released in 1965. A decade after that, in 1975, ESP-Disk' also released, as 'Prophecy', the first documentation of the group, recorded a month before Spiritual Unity by Canadian poet Paul Haines at a concert at a 91st Street club. These Cellar Cafe recordings are augmented here beyond the five cuts from the original 'Prophecy' release by another six tracks from the same gig. (This edition uses the more accurate titles found on their release in the 2004 Holy Ghost box set on Revenant, rather than the fanciful titles from their 1996 first issue, as Albert Smiles with Sunny on the German label InRespect. Note also that 'Wizard' on CD 1 and 'The Wizard' on CD 2 are different compositions). 1965 yielded Ayler treasures as his style shifted. The transitional Bells was just under 20 minutes, originally released in 1965 as one side of a clear vinyl LP, with the other side empty of music. It was recorded at a May 1, 1965, Town Hall concert of ESP artists, displaying Ayler's new group. Murray remained, Albert's brother Donald joined on trumpet, and Lewis Worrell held down the bass slot. The denser sound of 'Bells' shows Ayler moving toward the bigger sonic statement made on 'Spirits Rejoice', his September 23, 1965, Judson Hall session. By the way, 'Bells' as heard here is not, in fact, a single composition; rather, it is a medley moving from "Holy Ghost" to an unnamed theme and then into 'Bells' proper. ESP-Disk' founder Bernard Stollman was so excited by 'Bells' that he released it on one side of an LP without delaying to record additional music to fill the other side. 'Bells' also happens to be the recorded debut of saxophonist Charles Tyler, who would go on to record for ESP as a leader (Charles Tyler Ensemble), and Eastern Man Alone.

Prophecy

Music EU