For Ear Sake

Albert Ayler - Music is the Healing

Force of the Universe (1969)

Genres: Free-Jazz, Soul-Jazz

Albert Ayler was a saxophonist, singer, and composer from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, whom later settled in New York City. He's known for his musical vigor in Jazz; a zeal that created a strong following of musicians and fans alike. Ayler may not have received recognition like some of the more popular Jazz musicians we hear about today, but his skill with the saxophone truly separated him from most of his counterparts. Music is the

Healing Force of the Universe is not the greatest work produced by Ayler, but in some unusual way, the album stands out. Not only does the album cover pull you in, but the music also has high moments that are capable of catching the attention of any listener.

Albert Ayler brought difference into the Jazz world. His sound was aggressive, raw, and free. Here's what was posted on Wikipedia, "Ayler was among the most primal of the free jazz musicians of the 1960s; critic John Litweiler wrote that "never before or since has there been such naked aggression in jazz." He possessed a deep blistering tone achieved by using the stiff plastic Fibrecane no. 4 reeds on his tenor saxophone, and used a broad, pathos-filled vibrato."

Music is the Healing Force of the Universe happens to be the last album recorded before Albert Ayler's death. The tragic event helped make this album special. Some say Ayler suffered from depression during the past couple of years of his life, and his mental illness can be heard throughout the album. It's believable. The album consists bad lyrics (at times), fake Caribbean accents, and a failed attempt at covering the Blues. But despite the album's downfalls, it's still worth a listen.

There are times when not so good albums have potential, even when the potential is hidden. The vocals of Mary Maria Parks definitely played of a major role in giving the album an odd feel, and I'm sure many people would agree. The track "A Man Is Like A Tree" is a prime example of how quirky this album gets. It also seems as if her vocals are misplaced on every track she's featured on, and I love it! Music is the Healing Force of the Universe is easily one of the ugly ducklings within Ayler's discography. Regardless of the album being an ugly duckling, it's high moments touch the heavens! Here's what All About Jazz had to say about the album, "As soon as Albert Ayler's first earth-shattering deep tenor roar opens the album, shivers are running up and down my spine. Nobody else has made a sound from a horn quite like that - a truly holy bleat."

Before you throw this album away, give it a chance, because it may prove you wrong. Music is the Healing Force of the Universe is recommended to all Jazz lovers that aren't afraid of a little wackiness (or maybe more than a little). Copies can be found for sale on Amazon (here). As always, I've included a sample of the album below, so be sure to check it out and grab yourself a copy if you like what you hear.

Albert Ayler - Masonic Inborn (Part 1)