Albert Ayler would’ve turned 90 today—still out of tune with the world

July 13, 2026

Photographer uncredited, but the photo was almost certainly taken by Chuck Stewart (1927–2017), who is credited with the photography on Love Cry and most of the photography for the rest of Ayler's ABC/Impulse! releases. Published by ABC/Impulse! Records., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Albert_Ayler_(1967%E2%80%9368_photo_portrait_for_ABC_Impulse!).jpg)

When Albert Ayler picked up his saxophone, jazz wasn’t ready. His raw, vocal-like wails on ESP-Disk recordings shattered conventions, turning spiritual yearning into sound. Critics called it noise; others heard prophecy. Nine decades after his birth, that dissonance feels more urgent than ever—a reminder that true freedom rarely comes in pleasing tones. The man who once said 'Music is the healing force of the universe' left us questioning what healing really sounds like.

Telegram WhatsApp

Coming soon to the App Store Coming soon to Google Play