AACM/Art Ensemble of Chicago

This week, we'll delve into a Jazz collective from Chicago that changed the shape and sound of the music forever.

The AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) was born in 1965 as a non-profit organization devoted to "nurturing, performing, and recording serious, original music."  Though the organization has it's roots in Jazz, the sounds of its performances also include classical and world music.  The AACM motto is "Great Black music, from Ancient to the Future."  Past and present members have included founders Muhal Richard Abrams, Jodie Christian, Steve McCall, and Phil Cochran, and members Wadada Leo Smith, Jack Dejohnette, Henry Threadgill, Anthony Braxton, and many more - including:

The Art Ensemble of Chicago is a working band that grew out of the AACM in the late 60's and is primarily concerned with interpereting the entire history of Jazz through their music.  Each member of the group plays multiple instruments and their live performances are the stuff of legend.  Anchored by saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell and by trumpeter Lester Bowie, the ensemble plays traditional (and very non-traditional) jazz instruments and continues to play a vital role in the worldwide music scene to this day.

Though these groups of musicians create what is often referred to as avant-garde, free or "out" Jazz, there are many places in their collective discographies where even the most staunch straight-ahead fans of the music can find common ground.  We hope you'll enjoy learning about and listening to these highly creative musicians this week in KMHD's artist spotlight!

-Matt Fleeger, Program Director