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
-
Vevor Ultrasonic Cleaner
Thoroughly clean and restore your vinyl records, removing dust, dirt, and grime from every groove without damaging the surface
-
Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge
Features an elliptical stylus that accurately tracks the grooves of vinyl records, delivering a rich, detailed sound with an output voltage of 5.5 mV
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Phono Preamps - Top Picks
A selection of the best phono preamps for your turntable setup
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Fucked Up Year of the Goat
Tankcrimes
December 12, 2025 -
William Basinski The Disintegration Loops (Arcadia Archive Edition) [8xLP]
Temporary Residence
November 7, 2025 -
Spencer Mackenzie Empty Chairs
Gypsy Soul Records
February 20, 2026 -
Knucks Fine African Man
Warner Bros UK
November 7, 2025 -
Higher Power There's Love In This World If You Want It in sleeve
Nuclear Blast
October 24, 2025 -
Sudan Archives THE BPM [2xLP]
Stones Throw Records
October 17, 2025 -
Sessa Pequena Vertigem De Amor
Mexican Summer
November 7, 2025 -
Yawning Man Pavement Ends
Heavy Psych Sounds
November 21, 2025 -
PeelingFlesh PF Radio 2
Unique Leader Orch
November 7, 2025 -
Simple Minds Once Upon A Time (Ruby Red)
A&M
October 17, 2025 -
Ragana & Drowse Ash Souvenir
La Vida Es Un Mus
November 14, 2025 -
Miguel CAOS
Rca Records
October 24, 2025 -
Saint Agnes Your God Fearing Days Are About to Begin - Megenta
Spinefarm
October 31, 2025 -
Circle Jerks Golden Shower Of Hits
Trust Records
December 5, 2025