Remco, who I often agree with, said: << By comparing 'Witches and Devils' by Vandermark, to Spirits Rejoice by Ayler, makes it perfectly, and even painfully clear to these ears, that Vandermark is no good. It has nothing to do with originality: Vandermark is a bad copyist IMHO.

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When Remco previously said Vandermark was just copying Ayler (or something to that effect) I was wondering what the hell that premise was based on. Here Remco provides the answer. It sounds like you know a lot more about Ayler than you do about Vandermark. The guy's got like 30 cds out or so. Many different projects and many different styles of playing. He does not always play energy music. Less and less lately it seems. "Witches and Devils" is an Ayler tribute of mainly Ayler compositions. The only problem I have with this release is that it is badly recorded from a live performance. Yes he does copy the head or composed part(not that it is unusual), but to assert he's copying the solos is ridiculous. I don't think he could if he wanted to, it's like copying a Brotzmann solo. This cd is colead by Mars Williams so you're often hearing him as well. Don't dismiss him based on 1 cd. Check out some Vandermark 5, School Days, or Expansion Slang cds to hear other facets of Vandermarks work. We often like the same artists so I don't think you'll be disappointed. Cheers, John Threadgould