Born in 1939 in Buffalo, jazz titan Charles Gayle’s "sax mettle has quelled New York City’s clubs, streets, and subways" (Village Voice). In the 60s, he became involved in the NYC’s nascent free jazz movement working with Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Pharoah Sanders, William Parker and Rashied Ali. Primarily known as a leader, his work is documented on Silkheart, Black Saint, Knitting Factory Records, FMP and Clean Feed.
Critics have called Charles Gayle "a master of musical improvisation" (Portland Tribune), and the purveyor of "a visionary music forged by spiritual exploration and sonic discovery" (Philadelphia City Paper). Declares Dennis Hollingsworth (All About Jazz), "Charles Gayle is without question one of the most intriguing figures in modern jazz today."
Mr Gayle’s work has been championed by New York City’s WKCR radio station, Michael Dorf and the Knitting Factory, John Zorn, Sonic Youth, and Henry Rollins. Mr. Gayle has taught music at SUNY Buffalo as well as Bennington College.