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The Leaders
American avant-jazz supergroup, formed by tenor saxophonist Chico Freeman, originally active in 1983–1994, and reunited in 2006. The band went through a few personnel changes in the early years. In the original line-up, Freeman played with Arthur Blythe on alto saxophone and Don Cherry on trumpet, backed with a rhythm section by Don Pullen (piano), Cecil McBee (bass) and Famoudou Don Moye (drums and percussion). Pullen was replaced with Hilton Ruiz, and eventually Kirk Lightsey, while A.E.C's trumpeter Lester Bowie took over Cherry's duties in the third, and most prolific, reincarnation.
The Leaders released three albums on Black Saint and BlackHawk Records in the 1980s, as well as CD on Japanese label Sound Hills Records in 1994. The sextet was met with mixed reviews – while each member independently was a universally recognized mastodon of the 80's free jazz, some critics characterized The Leaders as being more of a novelty. The rhythm section of the ensemble also released one album, , as The Leaders Trio on Sunnyside label in 1989.
In 2006, Chico Freeman decided to revive The Leaders, and invited Eddie Henderson to take Lester Bowie's place, with Bobby Watson on alto saxophone, and Cecil McBee (the only other original 'Leader' in the band), Fred Harris (piano) and Billy Hart (drums) forming a rhythm section. The reunited sextet recorded and released album on German label Double Moon Records.
Original members (1983)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Don Cherry – trumpet
Don Pullen – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums
Second incarnation (1984)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Don Cherry – trumpet
Hilton Ruiz* – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums
Final 3rd incarnation (1985–94)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Lester Bowie* – trumpet
Kirk Lightsey* – piano, flute
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums, percussion
* New members with asterix
The reunited Leaders (2007)
Chico Freeman* – tenor & soprano saxophone
Bobby Watson – alto saxophone
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
Fred Harris – piano
Cecil McBee* – bass
Billy Hart – drums
* Original members with asterix
The Leaders released three albums on Black Saint and BlackHawk Records in the 1980s, as well as CD on Japanese label Sound Hills Records in 1994. The sextet was met with mixed reviews – while each member independently was a universally recognized mastodon of the 80's free jazz, some critics characterized The Leaders as being more of a novelty. The rhythm section of the ensemble also released one album, , as The Leaders Trio on Sunnyside label in 1989.
In 2006, Chico Freeman decided to revive The Leaders, and invited Eddie Henderson to take Lester Bowie's place, with Bobby Watson on alto saxophone, and Cecil McBee (the only other original 'Leader' in the band), Fred Harris (piano) and Billy Hart (drums) forming a rhythm section. The reunited sextet recorded and released album on German label Double Moon Records.
Original members (1983)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Don Cherry – trumpet
Don Pullen – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums
Second incarnation (1984)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Don Cherry – trumpet
Hilton Ruiz* – piano
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums
Final 3rd incarnation (1985–94)
Chico Freeman – tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe – alto saxophone
Lester Bowie* – trumpet
Kirk Lightsey* – piano, flute
Cecil McBee – bass
Famoudou Don Moye – drums, percussion
* New members with asterix
The reunited Leaders (2007)
Chico Freeman* – tenor & soprano saxophone
Bobby Watson – alto saxophone
Eddie Henderson – trumpet
Fred Harris – piano
Cecil McBee* – bass
Billy Hart – drums
* Original members with asterix
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