By turns mournful, haunting, and downright celebratory, Witches & Devils is among tenor saxophonist Albert Ayler"s best records. The band lays down sturdy foundations of improvised sound here--as always, Sonny Murray"s drumming is a highlight. The real treat, of course, is Ayler"s inimitable improvisational style. Ayler played his saxophone like it was the most important thing in the world; his music is intense and at times eerie, yet it celebrates simple, repetitive schoolyard melodies. Most important of all is Ayler"s range, and he did have one--he could sound like he was trying to spit razorblades through his horn at you one song and like your beloved grandmother singing you to sleep the next. --Mike McGonigal