Charles Gayle’s saxophone style took late Coltrane, Albert Ayler, and the Franks (Wright and Lowe) as jumping-off points and launched into a zone of pure energy, his long, crying lines traveling wherever the spirit — Gayle is deeply Christian — led him. If there’s an easy entry point anywhere in his vast discography, it’s this hour-long live session where he’s backed by bassist William Parker and drummer Rashied Ali, who keep the energy level high. There are a few mellow moments, but for the most part everyone is burning white hot from beginning to end.

– Phil Freeman