Muhammad Ali (born Raymond Patterson, December 23, 1936) is an American free jazz drummer.

Early life

Ali was born and raised in Philadelphia where he, along with his father and brothers, converted to Islam. His older brother, Rashied Ali, was also a drummer.

Career

He recorded with Albert Ayler in 1969 on the sessions released as Music Is the Healing Force of the Universe and The Last Album. Like many Jazz musicians of the 60's, he moved to Europe in 1969 along with Frank Wright, Noah Howard, and Bobby Few. The Jazz Discography states that Ali participated in 26 recording sessions from 1967 to 1983. In October 2006, Ali participated in a concert to celebrate John Coltrane's 80th birthday in his hometown of Philadelphia. Also featured were his brother, pianist Dave Burrell, and bassist Reggie Workman. He also played with alto saxophonist Noah Howard in the summer of 2008. In 2010, he recorded Planetary Unknown in a quartet led by David S. Ware, Ali's first recording in nearly thirty years.

Discography

As sideman

With Idris Ackamoor, Rashied Al Akbar, and Earl Cross With Albert Ayler With Hans Dulfer With Bobby Few With Noah Howard With Steve Lacy With Michel Pilz With Saheb Sarbib With Archie Shepp With Alan Shorter With Alan Silva With David S. Ware With Frank Wright With Bobby Zankel