The Hilversum Session

Albert Ayler, a pioneering force in the free jazz movement of the 1960s, was an American avant-garde saxophonist and composer whose powerful and primal sound left an indelible mark on the jazz world. Born on July 13, 1936, in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Ayler began playing the saxophone as a child and quickly developed a unique style that blended the raw emotion of free jazz with the structured intensity of hard bop. Once considered the heir apparent to John Coltrane, Ayler's music was characterized by its spiritual depth, innovative techniques, and a relentless pursuit of sonic exploration. His influential albums, such as "My Name Is Albert Ayler" and "Spiritual Unity," showcase his extraordinary talent and continue to inspire musicians and listeners alike. Ayler's tragic and mysterious death in 1970 at the age of 34 cut short a career that was as brilliant as it was brief, but his legacy endures as one of the most enigmatic and powerful voices in jazz history.