Late period live Ayler.
Michael Stack | North Chelmsford, MA USA | 05/04/2005
(2 out of 5 stars)
""Live on the Riviera", recorded the same day as "Nuits de la Fondation Maeght", is a very different record from that album-- whereas "Nuits" had a sound closer to Ayler's earlier recording, this one sounds more like his later work. No doubt this is due to the absence of pianist Call Cobbs and the more consistent presence of Mary Maria (vocals, soprano sax). The set consists entirely of material from "New Grass" (2 cuts), "Music is the Healing Force of the Universe" (4 cuts) and one from "The Last Album" (at that point unreleased).
Its probably fair to say if you don't care for Ayler's music of this period, you're unlikely to care for this material.
Mind you, this isn't quite a direct reading of that material, its quite a bit looser than the studio records, no doubt due to the sparser accompaniment, and Ayler puts forth some great playing, mostly linear and without the polytonal attacks he was once known for. Overall though, I don't think he found the material particularly inspiring as his playing isn't particularly engaging, although the stripped down arrangement of "Heart Love" and "Ghosts" are both full of fire from Ayler.
Sonically, its a bit quiet, but the show is crisp, clean, and all instruments are well balanced. Its an interesting show, and I'm glad I have it, but I rarely listen to it. For completionists and fans."
Track Listings (7) - Disc #1