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AACM - The Association of the Advancement of Creative Music
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Sound
Delmark
1966
The first ever release by a member of the association this hugely influential album became sort of a manifesto for the group. It introduced a totally novel take on improvisation and pushed the boundaries of music to uncharted territories.

Song For
Delmark
1966
Another early gem from an AACM stalwart this contemplative disc explores some of the same harmonic terrain as Mitchell's Sound. In contrast to the former it features a more somber mood and inventive use of silence. It was a cerebral answer to New York "Avant-Garde" movement's fiery passion.

Levels and Degrees of Light
Delmark
1968
The debut of one of AACM's three founders, this historic record features all the elements that became integral to pianist Muhal Richard Abrams' entire career. The three, long and free flowing pieces are shrouded in mysticism and brim with angular lyricism. The cover art showcases Abrams skill as a painter.

Live
Bluebird
1976
Recorded over two years in Berlin Germany and Monteux Switzerland this hard to find album is a stand out in Braxton's uniformly superb and voluminous oeuvre. A controversial figure in jazz as well as a genius of modern music reedman Braxton and his quartet improvise on his innovative geometrical compositions. The group includes drummer Barry Altschul, bassist Dave Holland, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and fellow AACM member trombonist George Lewis.

Divine Love
ECM Records
1978
Trumpeter and composer Wadada Leo Smith has gone on to an impressive career that has transcended classification. This haunting and stimulating disc of intense, multilayered music is sort of a watershed between Smith's earlier Kabell years and his later, creatively more ambitious works.

Air Lore
Bluebird
1979
Reedman Henry Threadgill, bassist Fred Hopkins, and drummer Steve McCall formed the intrepid trio Air in the 1970s. Air Lore is unique in their body of work in that it radically interprets ragtime and early jazz pieces by pianists Scott Joplin and Jelly Roll Morton. With their bold improvisation they encompass the entire history of jazz.

Nice Guys
ECM Records
1979
Art Ensemble of Chicago redefined the concept of musical performance both in and out of the studio. Nice Guys is one of their most accessible discs and one of the most cohesive. It is a superb showcase of the group's unique artistic vision.

Dark Day + Live in Verona 1979
Atavistic
1979
Saxophonist Fred Anderson spent most his career in Chicago and became a mentor to subsequent generations. His small club, the "Velvet Lounge" was an institution where younger AACM members cut their proverbial teeth. Although he recorded many a stimulating record at his venue Dark Day + Live in Verona 1979 is his best live session. Although his improvisational skills never lost their momentum throughout his long life, this album finds him at the true height of his powers.

Homage to Charles Parker
Black Saint
1979
AACM's historian Lewis is both linguistically and musically eloquent. The two long pieces that comprise the album are tributes to saxophonist Charlie Parker's innovative spirit. Reedman Douglas Ewart channels some of Parker's bold creativity while electronics performer Richard Teitelbaum and pianist Anthony Davis create haunting sonic backdrops.

The Circle of Time
Black Saint
1983
One of the first women to join AACM, pianist Amina Claudine Myers has a singular style that is rooted in Gospel and Blues. This album, more than any other, reflects her signature sound that is exuberant, colorful and boldly explorative. Her pianism and her singing are simultaneously rooted in tradition as well as progressive and forward looking.
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