Pianist/composer Billy (also known as William X) Gault recorded this his first and only leader album almost 50 years ago (October 1974). In spite of the elusive and sporadic career Gault has long achieved legendary status among many followers. Gault was born in New York in 1941 and studied music at Bennett Highschool and Buffalo University. He played in the Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and with Jackie McLean in the 70s. Billy Gault’s only documented album here is a collection of his own compositions characterized as hard bop with religious overtones. “Great stuff -- and a beautiful album of spiritual jazz recorded by this obscure piano player who worked briefly with Jackie McLean in the seventies. Billy Gault had an amazingly soulful way of putting together his work, but never got bogged down in too much sentiment. There's some beautiful stuff on here, This truly is an incredible record --- one of our all-time favourites of this generation!“ (Dusty Groove)
