In Greenwich Village - 2023 US Superior Viaduct Records Label 4-track LP Reissue

In the mid-'60s, Albert Ayler found himself at the center of major transformations within jazz. On his albums for ESP-Disk', his delivery was radically aggressive and his tone blistering – aiming for something beyond the New Thing. His music would be further energized when (at the behest of John Coltrane) Bob Thiele signed him to Impulse! As Ayler told The Plain Dealer at the time, "It's not about notes anymore. It's a sound – a feeling. The approach we're taking will discontinue the use of the word 'jazz.'"

In Greenwich Village, Ayler's first LP on Impulse!, perfectly captures the Cleveland-born saxophonist's radiant intensity. Sourced from a pair of live engagements – February '67 at the Village Theatre on New York's Lower East Side and December '66 at the Village Vanguard – these recordings show an improved clarity in production and performance.

Both sets feature two basses (including Alan Silva and Henry Grimes) which allowed the ensemble to go in different harmonic directions while maintaining an organic unity. Of particular interest are "For John Coltrane," a tribute to Ayler's mentor who would pass later that year, and "Truth Is Marching In" where trumpeter Donald Ayler joins his brother to celebrate and ultimately deconstruct several jazz traditions to stunning effect.

Vibrant in sound and vision, Albert Ayler's In Greenwich Village is a landmark statement in free jazz and a career high-point for this truly original artist. Superior Viaduct is honored to present this classic album on vinyl for the first time domestically in 30 years.

Black vinyl - presented in a picture cover featuring the original 1967 gatefold artwork.

Tracklisting:

Side 1.
1. For John Coltrane   13:32
2. Change Has Come   6:15

Side 2.
1. Truth Is Marching In   12:12
2. Our Prayer ( (Donald Ayler))  4:28

All tracks composed by Albert Ayler (except where noted)

Recorded at:
The Village Theatre, 105 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003, USA
The Village Vanguard, 178 7th Avenue South in Greenwich Village, New York City.

Credits:
Albert Ayler – alto saxophone, tenor saxophone
Donald Ayler – trumpet
Bill Folwell – bass (On all tracks)
Henry Grimes – bass (Our Prayer, Truth Is Marching In)
Alan Silva – bass (For John Coltrane, Change Has Come)
Beaver Harris – drums
Joel Friedman – cello
Michel Sampson – violin

Technical Credits:
Bob Thiele – production
George Klabin – engineer

Artwork:
Charles Stewart – photography
Joe Lebow – design
Barbara Flynn – design
Robert Flynn – design
Nat Hentoff – liner notes