Art Ensemble Of Chicago

The Art Ensemble of Chicago, formed by Roscoe Mitchell, Lester Bowie, Malachi Favors, Joseph Jarman, and Famoudou Don Moye, pioneered avant-garde jazz with a fusion of jazz, European art music, and African folk styles. Known for their theatrical performances, they rose to prominence in the '70s and '80s with acclaimed albums like "Nice Guys" and "Urban Bushmen." Key collaborations include Fontella Bass and contributions from the AACM. Despite lineup changes and loss of members, the ensemble's influence persists, celebrating milestones with notable concerts and releases, such as the 21-disc ECM box set.