Charles Gayle

Free-jazz saxophonist/pianist Charles Gayle is a devoted follower of both John Coltrane and Albert Ayler. Gayle's frenetic, often furious playing and deeply spiritual outlook have helped make him one of the iconic figures of New York's downtown free-improv scene in the 1960s. A versatile musician and a unique personality, Gayle has played in groups with Sunny Murray, Rashied Ali, and William Parker, among others. After an artistic rebirth in the 1980s, he has performed in European concert halls and on New York subways and has released records on tattooed punk vet Henry Rollins's label as well as on more traditional jazz imprints.

• Anthony Coleman Trio
• David Murray (Jazz)
• David S. Ware
• Joe McPhee Po Music
• Peter Brotzmann/Shoji Hano/Tetsu Yamauchi/Haruhiko Gotsu
• William Hooker Ensemble
• William Parker (Jazz)

• Albert Ayler
• Archie Shepp
• Art Tatum
• Cecil Taylor
• John Coltrane/Don Cherry (Jazz)
• Ornette Coleman

• Daniel Carter/Parker/Campbell
• Ken Vandermark's Joe Harriot Project
• Lee Ranaldo
• Mats Gustafsson
• Sabir Mateen
• Thurston Moore

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