Ayler Young's Music Bio
New York City has spawned some of the greatest musical talents of the past century, in every genre, music of every kind imaginable, all cooking side-by-side in this cauldron of creativity and cool. Back in the City, the debut album by multi-talented vocalist and instrumentalist Ayler Young, is deeply rooted in this East Coast tradition of lyrical originality and melodic exploration.
The son of two poets, Young was aptly named after jazz legend Albert Ayler, the primal free jazz musician of the 1960s. At an early age he studied classical music, then encountered Hendrix, Clapton and Dylan, sonic revelations that triggered the urge to pick up a guitar and play. These influences are clearly heard on Back in the City. Written, recorded and mixed in none other than NY, the album encompasses the spirit of the city and features a roster of hugely talented sidemen.
For example, bassist Darryl Jones (Rolling Stone/Miles Davis/Eric Clapton), drummer Charley Drayton (Iggy Pop/Johnny Cash /Neil Young/ Paul Simon), George Laks (keyboardist for Lenny Kravitz) and longtime friend and turntable virtuoso DJ Logic all lent a hand playing alongside Ayler on his debut record. The result is a classic-rock sound, packed with infectious beats and stunning melodies that make this release a serious occasion.
There are subtle nods to Jeff Buckley's operatic sincerity and Van Morrison's Celtic romanticism, seamlessly infused with a harmonic convergence of psychedelic Wurlitzers, jazz pianos and acoustic guitars all best heard on standout opening tune, The Beast. Ayler's voice shines on songs like Sweet One and Second Best, but then becomes more assertive and intense on rockers like Brand New Girl and One Man Show. On the potential hit single, Back in the City, Young acknowledges the excitement he feels upon returning home to New York. The song pinpoints cultural differences he experienced while in Asia.
"I just touched down and the trip was good
But something's off, it doesn't feel like it should
Thought I'd feel at home, but at second glance
There's children everywhere but nobody's holding their hands."
This debut album was written and recorded during the 5 years that Ayler worked for Robert de Niro in lower Manhattan. His work with the Tribeca Film Festival and Tribeca Cinemas led to many personal relationships including an involvement with the city of New Orleans. Young helped raise millions of dollars for the people of that city in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina, and was eventually presented with the Keys to the City and honorary citizenship by Mayor Ray Nagin.
Like so many other artists before him, Young embraced Manhattan the moment he got there. Inspired by its raw power and creativity, his debut album pays tribute to New York's boundless energy. But the main motive for making Back in the City was simple; "Pop albums used to be great from first cut to last. Soulful, inventive, and real. That's the kind of music I am striving to make." Back in the City is a powerful step along that road.