There is absolutely no one playing tenor (or any other saxophone) coming close to making the kind of music created by
Charles Gayle. While it's reminiscent of
Albert Ayler's energetic, twisting 1960s free dates,
Gayle's saxophone acrobatics and stamina are astonishing. This two-song CD was recorded live and features one number that runs 23 minutes; it's the short tune. "Jesus Christ and Scripture," the second piece, proceeds for over 50 minutes, much of that featuring
Gayle's honks, bleats, turnarounds, moans, and anguished cries on tenor. After listening closely to this disc, its lack of repetition and gimmickry is commendable. It's certainly not for all (or even most tastes), but those who listen fairly and intently to
Charles Gayle will be rewarded. ~ Ron Wynn