RIP Charles Gayle (February 28, 1939 - September 7, 2023)

(© George Milburn)

Charles Gayle was a mercurial figure. Abandoning the security of an academic career, Gayle quit his day job and moved to New York. After a decade or so in the Big Apple Gayle opted to live on the streets, busking from one day to the next. The multi-instrumentalist estimated he spent something like fifteen years living a hand to mouth existence. 

By chance, a record company executive heard Gayle playing his tenor sax. Recording sessions followed and Gayle was no longer living as a homeless person.

Inspired by Albert Ayler and John Coltrane, Gayle developed his own committed, uncompromising, often fearsome sound. He worked with Cecil Taylor, William Parker, Rashied Ali, Sunny Murray and others. Returning to the concert stage, Gayle released numerous albums. A memorable occasion at Newcastle's Lit & Phil found Gayle playing alongside Han Bennink. As the concert came to its end the audience began to drift away. Gayle sat at the piano and played for himself, unaware that some people returned to listen to what was, essentially, private practice. Satisfied with his evening's work, Gayle closed the piano lid to be greeted by tumultuous applause. He looked round, somewhat taken aback that anyone should be interested. We were, it was a memorable occasion.

               

Charles Ennis Gayle was 84. Russell