The Last Album
The Last Album was the last studio album Albert Ayler recorded before his death in 1969. The album was released posthumously (hence the title) in 1971 on Impulse! Records. The album consists of outtakes from the sessions for Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe.[1] The album was recorded August 26-29, 1969 at Plaza Sound Studios in New York City.[2]
| The Last Album | ||||
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| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1971 | |||
| Recorded | 1969 | |||
| Genre | Free jazz | |||
| Length | 43:12 | |||
| Label | Impulse! | |||
| Albert Ayler chronology | ||||
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Overview
The first track is an untitled improvisational duet between Jimi Hendrix-inspired guitarist and Canned Heat member Henry Vestine and Ayler on bagpipe, but credited as "written" by Henry Vestine and Mary Parks. All other songwriting credits on the album are also claimed by Mary Parks.
The second track contains poetry spoken eloquently by Mary Parks, posing questions which Ayler's sax answers.
"Toiling" is a guitar-driven blues track.
On "Desert Blood", Ayler sings jazz-vocals reminiscent of June Tyson's performances with Sun Ra.
The remainder of the album is in the Free jazz idiom.
Track listing
- "Untitled Duet"
- "Again Come The Raising of the Sun"
- "All Love"
- "Toiling"
- "Desert Blood"
- "Birth of Mirth"
- "Water Music"
Personnel
- Saxophones, Bagpipes - Albert Ayler
- Bass - Stafford James
- Bass (Fender) - Bill Folwell
- Drums - Muhammad Ali
- Electric Guitar - Henry Vestine
- Piano - Bobby Few
- Producer - Ed Michel
- Vocals - Mary Maria