Touchin' on Trane cover
Released

Charles Gayle’s saxophone style took late Coltrane, Albert Ayler, and the Franks (Wright and Lowe) as jumping-off points and launched into a zone of pure energy, his long, crying lines traveling wherever the spirit — Gayle is deeply Christian — led him. If there’s an easy entry point anywhere in his vast discography, it’s this hour-long live session where he’s backed by bassist William Parker and drummer Rashied Ali, who keep the energy level high. There are a few mellow moments, but for the most part everyone is burning white hot from beginning to end.

Phil Freeman

Recommended by

Suggestions
Simultan cover

Simultan

Roland Kayn
Fire Illuminations cover

Fire Illuminations

Wadada Leo Smith, Orange Wave Electric
Halo cover

Halo

Bill Laswell, Andy Hawkins, Azonic
Live in Seattle cover

Live in Seattle

John Coltrane, Pharoah Sanders
Town Hall 1972 cover

Town Hall 1972

Anthony Braxton
REVERENCE cover

REVERENCE

Muriel Grossmann
Anthony Braxton cover

Anthony Braxton

Anthony Braxton