THE appearance of legendary New York saxophonist Charles Gayle at the Star & Shadow, Newcastle, on September 16, has been enhanced by a showing of the documentary film My Name is Albert Ayler.

Ayler's immensely fierce free saxophone playing tore the jazz world apart when his first recordings appeared in the 1960s, and he struggled for recognition right up to his mysterious death in 1970. Since then he has come to be recognised as one of the most important musicians of his generation and, along with John Coltrane, has been a major influence on progressive jazz musicians worldwide. Gayle is perhaps the true heir to the legacy of Ayler and Coltrane.

He too has had a long battle for acceptance, with periods when he was reduced to living and playing on the streets.

But today, at the age of 68, he is widely acclaimed as one of the most powerful, uncompromising saxophonists anywhere in the world.

Star & Shadow Cinema: Stepney Bank, Newcastle, Sunday, Sept 16, 7pm. My Name is Albert Ayler, £3 (£2 concessions). 8.30pm: The Charles Gayle/William Parker/Mark Sanders Trio.

Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions, £3 students) Due to technical problems we are unable to include Peter Bevan's column this week.