released January 3, 2025

REVIEWS

Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD: Crown

All Music Guide: 5 Stars

“An outright masterpiece, which seems likely to be a central document in the free music of the decade: the three men touch on Coltrane from moment to moment (and Ali renews his old relationship in triumph), but this is new, brilliant, eloquent free playing.”
-The Penguin Guide to Jazz

“This is Charles Gayle's most accessible work. His mastery of free jazz is blended with a more traditional compositional style of jazz on this disc. Without covering any songs, Touchin' on Trane is the greatest John Coltrane tribute album.”
- All Music Guide

“One of the strongest CDs of the '90s, this reissue is a cause for celebration. For the believer and non-believer, Gayle's honest, powerful approach is undeniable.”
-All About Jazz

“A time-freezing landmark in free jazz. What separates Touchin’ On Trane from the pack is the mastery of the three players involved. Each man plays at the highest possible level, driving the others forward even as he reaches deep within himself to bring out something ineffable and awesome. The album exists as a singular document of a once-in-three-lifetimes occasion. And we should be extremely gratified that it does.”
-Phil Freeman, Burning Ambulance

“Quite unlike the no holds barred approach he is best known for, Gayle achieves equilibrium here, balancing his cathartic instincts with a finely honed lyricism. If comparisons serve any useful purpose here, Gayle approaches in some ways Sam Rivers volatile tenor escapades of the seventies.”
-Coda

“An exciting recording full of risk taking. Moody, with squalling but shapely extended sax solos, this is a fine example of extending Coltrane’s music rather than simply aping it.”
- Boston Phoenix

“Touchin on Trane is Gayle’s best. Title aside, his most conspicuous inspiration is Albert Ayler: his energy, tongue-talking spirituality and (sometimes) wide vibrato. The studio recording and trio setting are clear and uncluttered; Ali’s loose breathy swing bobs Gayle along as Parker grounds both, with typically rhythmic and pedal point-oriented bass.”
-Pulse

“Gayle is possibly the most aurally stunning and visceral tenor saxist currently performing. Touchin’ On Trane shows Gayle to be creating sounds that are unencumbered by any allegiance to previous jazz forms. And in the process, he is creating a new form of extremely innovative improvised music.”
- Cadence

“Gayle benefits from the focused drive of Rashied Ali, who effortlessly shapes this five-part suite with crisp cadences and frequent exercising of tasteful restraint. As a result, both Gayle’s solos, and the performance as a whole, build rather than spontaneously combust.”
-Jazz Times

“The defining track is “Part D” which packs nearly every permutation of reed-bass-drums interface that can be imagined into slightly-less-than-28 minutes. Gayle’s exposition includes hocketing pauses, emphasized note clusters and repeated snorts. Lab scientist-like, he seems to be evaluating every centimeter of his instrument and testing every sound that can be forced from it. At the same time he moves from cerebral to pure expressiveness.”
-JazzWord

“This is no tribute: the hour-plus piece is credited jointly, and is remarkably fresh and evenly balanced, with all three players astonishing. Especially Ali, who cut his teeth drumming on Coltrane's hoariest records, but who here channels his master perfectly.”
-Tom Hull

“This sensational American tenor saxophonist is joined by riveting bassist William Parker and legendary drummer Rashied Ali. Together they deliver on all counts. They understand how to translate life into music into life. Sit down and take a deep breath. The best art immerses us in life in order to lift us above it. This is no exception.”
-Sydney Morning Herald

Charles Gayle: tenor saxophone
William Parker: double bass
Rashied Ali: drums

All music by Gayle/Parker/Ali.

Recorded live by Holger Scheuermann and Jost Gebers on October 31st and November 1st, 1991, during the Total Music Meeting at the Haus der jungen Talente in Berlin.
Mixed by Jost Gebers.
Mastered by Jonas Bergler.
Produced by Jost Gebers

Booklet design/layout: Jost Gebers.
Photos: Dagmar Gebers.