The 3rd volume of saxophonist Mars Williams' Albert Ayler-infused holiday records, bring free jazz to the holidays in a unique holiday mash-up of songs with titles like "Noel Omega - Twas The Night Before The Frosty Island Harvest Xmas", in a quintet with Jaimie Branch (trumpet), Knox Chandler (electric guitar), Mark Tokar (bass) and Klaus Kugel (drums).
Label: Not Two Catalog ID: MW996-2 Squidco Product Code: 28326
Format: CD Condition: New Released: 2019 Country: Poland Packaging: Cardboard Gatefold Recorded Live at Alchemia, in Krakow, Poland, on December 9th, 2018, by Rafal Drewniany.
1. The Hanukkah-Xmas March Of Truth For 12 Days Of Jingling Bells With Spirits 26:19
2. Noel Omega - Twas The Night Before The Frosty Island Harvest Xmas 21:09
3. The Heavenly Home Carol Of The Bells 13:45
sample the album:
descriptions, reviews, &c.
"Saxophonist Mars Williams is most famous as a member of The Psychedelic Furs, but has proven his jazz bona fides with Peter Brotzmann and Ken Vandermark, and while guiding Liquid Soul and Hal Russell's NRG Ensemble, to name just a few. (His rock CV is also varied, including Akron New Wave band The Waitresses and work with Billy Idol, Ministry, Massacre, and many more.) He also leads the Albert Ayler tribute band Witches and Devils, and out of their holiday concerts grew a unique tradition.
One look at this album's track titles and you'll understand the concept here. One listen and you'll hear that, as odd as that concept may seem, it's brilliantly effective, with the disparate melodies working together in their common projection of joy and celebration. For the last few years, along with the annual Chicago performances, Williams brought "An Ayler Xmas", to select cities in the US and Europe, featuring local improvisers from each host city. This CD showcases the group that performed in 3 cities, starting in Berlin and ending with this live concert recording at Alchemia in Krakow."-Not Two