Early Combinations
Early Combinations is an album by a formative stage of the band which later became the Art Ensemble of Chicago. It was recorded in 1967 at Lester Bowie's home but not issued as a single CD until 2012 by Nessa Records. The two tracks on the album were originally included in the 1993 limited edition box set Art Ensemble 1967/68, also released by Nessa.[1] "A To Ericka" was recorded for submission to a Jazz Festival in Poland and was unsuccessful in its purpose. "Quintet" was a dress rehearsal for a concert arranged by Jarman to take place at Winnetka High School that was cancelled.[2]
| Early Combinations | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 2012 | |||
| Recorded | September 2 & November 2, 1967 | |||
| Studio | Lester Bowie home, Chicago | |||
| Genre | Jazz | |||
| Length | 44:26 | |||
| Label | Nessa | |||
| Producer | Chuck Nessa | |||
| Roscoe Mitchell chronology | ||||
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Reception
The JazzTimes review by Mike Shanley notes that "It’s impressive how strong these two 20-minute-plus tracks sound, considering the group was not a proper unit at the time."[3]
Track listing
- "A to Ericka" (Favors / Mitchell / Jarman) - 21:39
- "Quintet" (Joseph Jarman) - 22:47
Personnel
- Roscoe Mitchell - alto sax, soprano sax, clarinet, flute
- Joseph Jarman - alto sax, sopranino sax, clarinet, flute, bassoon
- Lester Bowie - trumpet, flugelhorn
- Malachi Favors - bass
- Charles Clark - bass on #1
- Thurman Barker - drums
References
- Early Combinations at Nessa Records
- Liner notes by Terry Martin
- Shanley, Mike. Early Combinations review at JazzTimes