Spiritual Unity

" 'Trane was the father. Pharoah was the son. I was the holy ghost." -Albert Ayler

This fall marks 40 years since the untimely death of jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler (born Cleveland)-a major figure in the development of post-Coltrane jazz, whose contributions were cut short at a young age. Still, the legacy of his music and philosophy resound not only in the jazz canon but also across other fields of music: European free improvisation, Asian electronic music, American jazz, and beyond. Ayler's magnum opus "Spiritual Unity" is the touchstone event celebrating this music and what came after. Featuring guitarist Marc Ribot's aptly named band Spiritual Unity, and including original Ayler collaborator and compatriot Henry Grimes, with special guests. $30, $26; CMA members $29, $25

RELATED EVENTS

DOCUMENTARY FILM - "My Name Is Albert Ayler"
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
7:00 p.m.

The prophetic free jazz saxophonist Albert Ayler, who today is seen as one of the most important innovators in jazz, was obsessed with his radical music and by the thought that people one day would understand it. In 1962 he recorded his first album in Sweden. Eight years later he was found dead in New York's East River, aged 34. This documentary follows the trail of Ayler from his native town of Cleveland by way of Sweden to New York, meeting family, friends, and close colleagues. Ayler himself guides us with his voice and music.

PANEL DISCUSSION - Albert Ayler: Music, Spirituality and Freedom
Thursday, March 17, 2011
5:30 p.m. Reception
6:00-8:00 p.m. event
CWRU campus - Thwing Center Ballroom, 11111 Euclid Ave

A panel of interdisciplinary scholars will discuss key themes associated with the work of Cleveland-born jazz musician Albert Ayler, including relationships between America and Europe, freedom and order, and spirituality and jazz as well as concepts of cultural cross-fertilization. Panelists include: Dwight Andrews, Associate Professor of Music (Emory University); Henry Grimes, bassist and poet; Charles Hersch, Professor of Political Science (Cleveland State University); and Joy Bostic, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies (Case Western Reserve University). This event is held in conjunction with the performance by Spiritual Unity, Marc Ribot's quartet dedicated to the music of Ayler, hosted at the Cleveland Museum of Art on 18 March. Pre-event reception will begin at 5:30 pm.

These programs made possible in part by the Ernest L. and Louise M. Gartner Fund, the P. J. McMyler Musical Endowment Fund, and the Anton and Rose Zverina Music Fund. Additional support has been provided by the Musart Society. Media sponsor is WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 WCPN ideastream.