Guide Note

Albert Ayler was a free jazz saxophonist, singer and composer. His tenor saxophone was known for having a deep tone, which was from using very stiff plastic reeds. He played in trios, quartets and quintets.

Fast Facts

1. Genre: Jazz
2. Born: July 13, 1936
3. Died: November 1970
4. Origin: Cleveland Heights, Ohio
5. Years Active: 1952-1970
6. Record Label: Bird Notes, Debut, ESP-Disk, Impulse Records
7. Disappeared: November 5, 1970
8. Found Dead: November 25, 1970

At the age of 16, Ayler began playing with Little Walter and played two summer vacations with Walter's band. After graduation he joined the Army where he played with other enlisted men. Upon discharge from the Army he looked for work around Cleveland and Los Angeles but his play style didn't fit in with the traditionalists.

In 1962 Ayler relocated to Sweden and began his recording career leading radio session groups and working unpaid for Cecil Taylor. Ayler returned to the United States and put together a trio and recorded his breakthrough album Spiritual Unity.

Ayler continued and touring and playing in his unique style until he disappeared on November 5, 1970 and later found dead in New York City's East River presumably suicide.

• 1962: Something Different!!
• 1963: My Name is Albert Ayler
• 1964: Spiritual Unity
• 1967: Loves Cry
• 1969: The Last Album