Charles Tyler - Voyage from Jericho

[Gheorghe]

I have never heard him or seen him but often read his name.

Wasn/t he one of the guys who recorded for ESP. 

Like Guiseppe Logan, I have never seen or heard him, and he was ESP.

Anyway, those war interesting musicians on an interesting label. The only thing is, that a still living ESP artist with whom I have performed very often said that they didn´t get paid and it seems that he did not like tha Lawyer who was the boss of it. Okay keep away from Lawyers, there want your money but dont give you money...thats a fact.

[clifford_thornton]

Yes, Tyler recorded for ESP, twice as a leader and twice as a sideman. He eventually settled in France, after touring Europe a bunch.

Logan recorded twice as a leader for ESP as well as one sideman date (not to mention a sideman turn for Impulse) though as far as I know he did not tour Europe. A third ESP remains unissued.

[Niko]

Indeed, regarding visibility in Europe, there could be a big difference... But just because Tyler was in Europe... many Europeans missed him, and just because Logan was in Tompkins Square Park, many New Yorkers... I am currently reading the autobiography of Sonny Simmons, it's bleak in almost every aspect, certainly including pay from ESP even when including what could be extorted from Stollman's mother...

[clifford_thornton]

I interviewed Simmons around 20 years ago, and he definitely had a bleak go of things.

No musicians made anything out of their ESP deals at the time. My understanding is that the label is trying to right some previous wrongs, but there's still almost no money in this business.

[felser]

42 minutes ago, clifford_thornton said:

I interviewed Simmons around 20 years ago, and he definitely had a bleak go of things.

I saw him playing on the sidewalks of San Francisco for change in the late 70's or 80's, was stunned.

Edited January 25 by felser

[JSngry]

Some obstacles are self-induced.

But others aren't.

[Gheorghe]

On 1/25/2026 at 3:04 AM, clifford_thornton said:

I interviewed Simmons around 20 years ago, and he definitely had a bleak go of things.

No musicians made anything out of their ESP deals at the time. My understanding is that the label is trying to right some previous wrongs, but there's still almost no money in this business.

That´s what me had told Allan Praskin with whom I have played very often. He recorded for ESP, is the co-leader of the James Zitro album. I like that album very much. 

[Pim]

My copy is on it's way from Germany. Looking forward to it.

[Pim]

 

wow this exceeds expectations. Truly a monumental reissue. The 25 page booklet comes with a fascinating essay and info on Tyler and beautiful photographics. Sonics are great. It’s only January but this could be definitely reissue of the year already. Piece of art.

Hype sticker quotes some guy called Clifford Allen. Anyone around here know who that is? 😜 great to see you were involved in this project!

A track like return from the east defines what Freejazz is to me.

 

 

Edited Friday at 04:03 PM by Pim

[clifford_thornton]

On 2/6/2026 at 11:02 AM, Pim said:

 

wow this exceeds expectations. Truly a monumental reissue. The 25 page booklet comes with a fascinating essay and info on Tyler and beautiful photographics. Sonics are great. It’s only January but this could be definitely reissue of the year already. Piece of art.

Hype sticker quotes some guy called Clifford Allen. Anyone around here know who that is? 😜 great to see you were involved in this project!

A track like return from the east defines what Freejazz is to me.

 

 

I've heard of that guy (I think). Looking forward to receiving my copy.

[OliverM]

Just picked up mine from local shop. Great booklet as mentioned. Looking forward to hearing it.

[Eric]

On 2/6/2026 at 10:02 AM, Pim said:

 

 

wow this exceeds expectations. Truly a monumental reissue. The 25 page booklet comes with a fascinating essay and info on Tyler and beautiful photographics. Sonics are great. It’s only January but this could be definitely reissue of the year already. Piece of art.

Hype sticker quotes some guy called Clifford Allen. Anyone around here know who that is? 😜 great to see you were involved in this project!

A track like return from the east defines what Freejazz is to me.
 

Yes, this really is a fantastic reissue, beautiful production.

Edited Monday at 11:42 PM by Eric

[cayetano]

Mine just arrived to Spain, waiting for delivery. 🙂

[cayetano]

Wow, fantastic reissue. It exceeds my expectations.

I also received vol. 2 of book Freedom Rhythm & Sound, lots of rare covers.

Edited yesterday at 12:21 PM by cayetano

[cayetano]

By the way, the Cisco Bradley liner notes are from this book, that will be published soon:

I Hear Freedom. The Great Migration, Free Jazz, and Black Power

Edited 3 hours ago by cayetano

[Rabshakeh]

I ordered it yesterday and it is already here? Looks beautiful and can't wait to spin it.

[berendes2000]

On 1/22/2026 at 4:25 AM, bertrand said:

Tell us more about this cassette. Did you digitize it?

It was recorded at Villeneuve d'Ascq on May 17 1990 with Charles on alto tenor harmonica and voice, Remi Charmasson guitar, Bernard Santacruz bass and Jean-Pierre Jullian drums. I can copy to cdr.

Soon afterwards, Charles haha a brief visit to New York, playing the Knitting Factory on July 10 with Denis Charles and Richard Dunbar.

 

On 1/22/2026 at 4:25 AM, bertrand said:

Tell us more about this cassette. Did you digitize it?

 

[bertrand]

Would love to hear it! Was the Knitting Factory recorded?

[berendes2000]

1 hour ago, bertrand said:

Would love to hear it! Was the Knitting Factory recorded?

Yes, but not professionally.

As a matter of interest, Charles did not "grow restless" with his quartet. Earl Cross left for Europe late in 1977 with his partner Suzanne Marcus, who played clarinet and soprano sax. When Charles went to Scandinavia in 1981, he planned to link up with Earl again. And so we have 'Definite'

I have approached numerous companies I thought might be interested in Charles' music, without success. Tho nobusiness without permission did release Earl's music !

It may be Charles' complicated family situation may have been a problem.