Muhal Richard Abrams and the Art Ensemble of Chicago, 1974

There have been so many AEC concerts posted across the world wide web, many of dubious sound quality. It's hard to ignore any of them, though. In my opinion they have been the most important working free jazz group, bar none. Over the years they have sustained various personel changes and have consistently come back with vital, important recordings.

What we here is a concert recorded on August 7, 1974 in Utrecht, Holland. Consider it a companion to their recording Kabalaba (which was recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival in July of 1974). What makes both of these musical documents especially interesting is the fact that pianist Richard Muhal Abrams accompanies the AEC. Anyone familiar with the Art Ensemble of Chicago knows that they have rarely performed or recorded with a pianist (Cecil Taylor being one of the other exceptions). The concert is made up of one long continuous performance. No composition names are given. The lineup is: Abrams; Roscoe Mitchell; Lester Bowie; Joseph Jarman; Malachi Favors Maghostut and Famoudou Don Moye.

Let me know what you think of this performance that originated from Dutch FM radio. Maybe I'll post Kabalaba.

Enjoy!