In 1966 Jackson recorded drums for saxophonist Charles Tyler's release," Charles Tyler Ensemble". Between 1966 and 1967, he played with saxophonist Albert Ayler and is featured on "At Slug's Saloon, Vol. 1 & 2". He is also on disks 3 and 4 of Ayler's "". Jackson said Ayler was "the first (leader) that really opened me up. He let me play the drums the way I did in Fort Worth when I wasn't playing for other people." John Coltrane's death in July 1967 devastated Jackson. He spent the next few years addicted to heroin. He said, "I couldn't play drums then, spiritually... I just didn't feel right." From 1970-74, he did not perform, but continued to practice.