Mars Williams - Mars Williams Presents: An Ayler Xmas, Vol. 3 (Live in Kraków) (2020)

Saxophonist Mars Williams is most famous as a member of The Psychedelic Furs, but has proven his jazz bona fides with Peter Brötzmann and Ken Vandermark, and while guiding Liquid Soul and Hal Russell's NRG Ensemble, to name just a few. (His rock CV is also varied, including Akron New Wave band The Waitresses and work with Billy Idol, Ministry, Massacre, and many more.) He also leads the Albert Ayler tribute band Witches & Devils, and out of their holiday concerts grew a unique tradition. One look at this album's track titles and you'll understand the concept here. One listen and you'll hear that, as odd as that concept may seem, it's brilliantly effective, with the disparate melodies working together in their common projection of joy and celebration.

For the last few years, along with the annual Chicago performances, Williams brought “An Ayler Xmas”, to select cities in the US & Europe, featuring local improvisers from each host city. This CD showcases the group that performed in 3 cities, starting in Berlin and ending with this live concert recording at Alchemia in Krakow.