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.Early Combinations at Nessa Records "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.Liner notes by Terry Martin
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."Shanley, Mike. Early Combinations review at JazzTimes
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