Ayler, Albert, 1936-1970,
free-jazz saxophonist, b. Cleveland, OH. Ayler was taught to play saxophone by his father, a
semiprofessional musician, and the two often performed together in church when Albert was
young. While still in high school, he toured two summers with blues harmonica player Little
Walter, while continuing his jazz saxophone studies with Benny Miller. After graduating high
school, he served in the Army, playing in regimental bands (1958-60). In 1962, he moved to
Sweden, where he made his first recordings and a year later moved to New York City,
befriending saxophonists John Coltrane and Ornette Coleman, and pianist Cecil Taylor. He recorded a series of
influential albums in a free-jazz style including Spiritual Unity (1964) and
Spirits Rejoice (1965). Coltrane’s later work was influenced by
Ayler’s raw, energetic approach to improvisation, freed from melodic or harmonic
restraints. Ayler’s later recordings were in a more popular jazz-funk style, focused on
his more formal compositions, and often featured his idiosyncratic vocals. On November 5,
1970, Ayler disappeared and his body was not found until 20 days later, floating in the East
River, presumably a victim of suicide.
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