My Name Is Albert Ayler

Listening to free jazz is like gazing into a world beyond reason, lacking discernible form--it's what emerges from the human brain before being rendered by any structural or harmonizing filters, a musical stream of consciousness. This cacophony can also be downright stressful. While challenging, such chaos has the potential to reward its listener with momentary glimpses into unseen transfigurations of existence.

Rising from the ashes of punkers Tsunami Bomb is Petaluma, Calif.'s The Action Design. It's the pet project of ex-Tsunami Bomb members Emily Whitehurst (aka Agent M) and Matt McKenzie, who have emerged from their last experience older and wiser.

Raw-voiced Johnette Napolitano, best-known for her work with Concrete Blonde, knows how to do a lot.

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Queen of Hearts

E is for Ella Vader this Saturday, Dec. 1, at Burt’s Tiki Lounge (21+, free). You also adore Lousy Robot, Ghost Kimo and multi-instrumental weavers Bela Karoli from Denver. (LM)