Charles Tyler Ensemble, Charles Tyler Ensemble (side A)

The fact that many artists on ESP continue to perform live has helped to keep them visible. While he was quite active up until his passing in 1992, Charles Tyler's profile has unfortunately not seen the resurgence that some of his peers have experienced. Tyler worked with Albert Ayler for many years, and parts of 1966's Charles Tyler Ensemble resemble Ayler's work at that time, with bop-like energy juxtaposed against lines far more abstract and less tonal than would be typical in be-bop. Other parts seem almost like a precursor to Julius Hemphill, utilizing bits of chamber jazz and slower tempos. The instrumentation is unusual too, with Joel Friedman's cello and Charles Moffett's very present drums accompanying the more typical alto/bass/drums. Unfortunately, Henry Grimes's bass is hard to hear on the overly-bright album.