From the time he was signed to Impulse in 1966, it was assumed that
Albert Ayler's releases on that label would be motivated by an attempt at commercialism. While the music was toned down from his earlier ESP recordings, by no means did
Ayler ever make commercial records. Much in the same way
John Coltrane's later-period Impulse releases weren't commercial,
Ayler simply took advantage of a larger record company's distribution, trying to expose the music to more people.
Ayler's uncompromising musical freedom mixed with his catchy combination of nursery rhythms and brass band marches remained prominent on
Love Cry. The interplay between the
Ayler brothers also remained fiery as younger sibling
Donald is heard playing trumpet for the last time on a recording with his brother.
Donald was fired from the band (at the suggestion of Impulse) and, unfortunately, was committed to a mental institution for a short stay after these sessions were made. The rhythm section of
Alan Silva on bass and
Milford Graves on drums continually instigates and propels this music into furious militaristic march territory. Unhappily, the four tracks in which
Call Cobbs is featured on harpsichord tend to drag the music down; it's unfortunate his gospel-inspired piano or organ playing couldn't have been utilized instead. ~ Al Campbell