Black Unity Trio - Al Fatihah quite possibly was the first-ever independently-released free jazz record. Originating in Oberlin, Ohio as the Black Unity Quartet, and ultimately becoming the Trio (Abdul Wadud, Yusuf Mumin, and Hasan Al Hut), the group recorded Al Fatihah in December 24, 1968 at Agency Recording Studio (which was located upstairs in the building housing the legendary Agora Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio). The album ultimately was released in May 1969 in an edition of 500 copies. The album has been legendary among collectors, producers, and DJs in the past several decades, and has been sampled numerous times on other releases. Much mystery surrounded the origins of the album, as well as the status of the musicians, until 2020 when The Wire published an interview with Hasan. Many underground jazz purists know about the intense, though relatively short-lived hotbed of avant-garde jazz in Cleveland, Ohio during the mid-to-late 1960s. Clubs such as Leo's Casino, Jazz Temple, The Doan Club, Le Cave and a few private clubs saw many young avant-garde jazz acts during this time period.
Release date:
January 14, 2022
Label:
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO
Featuring a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm, precision-tuned motor, and a heavy steel platter with TPE damping, it ensures superior stability and sound quality.
-
Cartridges - Top Picks
A selection of turnatble cartridges that provide great performance and sound quality
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
NØ MAN Glitter and Spit
Iodine Recordings
July 18, 2025 -
Slikback Attrition
Planet Mu Records Ltd
July 18, 2025 -
Greywind Severed Heart City
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 19, 2025 -
Metronomy Greatest Hits [2xLP]
Because Music
September 5, 2025 -
Supertramp CRisis? What Crisis? (Half-Speed)
A&M
August 29, 2025 -
Tops Bury the Key (Green/Yellow)
Ghostly Int'l
August 22, 2025 -
Tim Minchin Time Machine
Bmg
July 25, 2025 -
The London Suede Antidepressants
Bmg
September 5, 2025 -
Cory Hanson I Love People
Drag City
July 25, 2025 -
Clamm Serious Acts
Meat Machine
July 25, 2025 -
Ben Nichols In the Heart of the Mountain
Liberty Lament
July 25, 2025 -
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard King Gizzard (Live In Las Vegas '24; Triple Splatter) [3xLP]
Reverberation Appreciation Soc
July 25, 2025 -
Anthony Green So Long, Avalon
Born Losers Records
July 11, 2025 -
Lorna Shore I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me [2xLP]
Century Media
September 12, 2025