Albert Ayler

Albert Ayler was an American saxophonist associated with the 1960s free jazz movement. His playing, primarily on tenor and soprano saxophone, was noted for its raw, intense tone and use of extended techniques such as overblowing and multiphonics, often paired with simple, hymnlike or marchlike melodies. Ayler emphasized emotional directness and spiritual themes in his music and recorded with small ensembles; his later work explored broader instrumentation and influences. He died in 1970.