Spiritual Unity
What is Spiritual Unity? Spiritual Unity is a group formed by Marc Ribot dedicated to re-creating and re-imagining the music of the great saxophonist Albert Ayler, one of the pillars of modern jazz.To Ribot, playing Ayler's music is a "ritual process, through improvisation, of experiencing and presenting the rawest moment of musical creation."
Spiritual Unity features the great bassist Henry Grimes, who played on many of Ayler's seminal recordings from the 1960s. After Grimes returned to the jazz scene in 2003, Ribot knew that the time had come to realize his long-time dream of forming a collective band to play this music. This is only the second release to feature Grimes since his return to music. Spiritual Unity also features eclectic trumpeter Roy Campbell and drummer Chad Taylor, best known for his work with the Chicago Underground.
SU's album is available in the store section of this website. The album features one original by Ribot and four songs by Ayler. Ribot's "Invocation" opens the album and is exactly that - an invocation of the Ayler spirit. This is followed by "Spirits," one of Ayler's catchy and instantly recognizable tunes. "Truth is Marching In" is next, another of Ayler's signature tracks, featuring a long, mournful intro that suddenly breaks into a warped march. This is followed by the more spacious "Saints." The album closer "Bells," recorded live at Tonic the night before the studio session, proves that the band succeeds both live and in the studio.
Spiritual Unity will TOUR EUROPE in February of 2008. The tour page will always contain the most current information.
http://www.marcribot.com/
Marc is featured in the latest edition of
Perfect Sound Forever, in the article "Holy Ghosts: Chasin The Masters". Read it online
HERE.
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I have that Nels/Greg Coltrane-thing. Nice idea, but it isn't all that great. If someone at the group wants it, just let me know.