Albert Ayler

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Albert Ayler
Albert Ayler (1967–68 photo portrait for ABC Impulse!).jpg
Albert Ayler in 1967–68
Background information
Born(1936-07-13)July 13, 1936
Cleveland, Ohio, United States
DiedNovember 25, 1970(1970-11-25) (aged 34)
New York City
GenresJazz, free jazz, avant-garde jazz
Occupation(s)Saxophonist, bandleader, composer
InstrumentsTenor saxophone, alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, bagpipes
Years active1952–1970
LabelsBird Notes, ESP-Disk, Impulse!, Ayler
Associated actsGary Peacock, Don Cherry, Sunny Murray, Roswell Rudd, Alan Silva, Donald Ayler, Henry Vestine, John Coltrane

Albert Ayler (/ˈlər/; July 13, 1936 – November 25, 1970) was an American avant-garde jazz saxophonist, singer and composer.[1]

His trio and quartet records of 1964, such as Spiritual Unity and The Hilversum Session were one of his best known works.[2]

Ayler disappeared on November 5, 1970, and he was found dead in New York City's East River on November 25. His death was ruled a suicide.[3] There were rumors that the mafia killed him.[4]

References

  1. Cook, Richard. Richard Cook's Jazz Encyclopedia (2005). London: Penguin Books. p. 25–26. ISBN 0-141-00646-3.
  2. Wilmer, Val. As Serious as Your Life (1977)Quartet. p. 95–96. ISBN 0-7043-3164-0.
  3. Mandel, Howard. Albert Ayler's Fiery Sax, Now on Film (June 7, 2008)NPR. Retrieved August 30, 2009.
  4. BiographyAyler.co.uk. Retrieved May 1, 2017.