Though not as well known as Ornette Coleman or John Coltrane, Albert Ayler is seen by many as one of the most important figures of the free jazz movement. Over the course of 16 studio albums and countless live releases, Ayler's passionate, aggressive saxophone playing pushed jazz back toward its improvisational heyday--an idea he remained committed to despite an uneven commercial and critical reception.

My Name Is Albert Ayler follows the life of the doomed musician from his boyhood in 1950s Cleveland to his mysterious death in 1970. The film includes interviews with Ayler's father Edward and his brother / collaborator Donald. It also includes the only known footage of Ayler performing live.

The film will screen three times at the Alamo downtown, but you'll want to catch it at Music Mondays tonight while admission is only $2. Also, your ticket stub from tonight's screening will be good for 10% off any Jazz LPs or CDs at End Of An Ear.

Oh hey--if you're really interested in Ayler, Check out this extensive interview with longtime Tom Waits cohort and generally brilliant guitarist Marc Ribot, wherein he discusses Ayler's music and influence.