Art Ensemble of Chicago - Chi-Congo

ART ENSEMBLE OF CHICAGO - Chi-Congo (Paula Records, 1973)

Lester Bowie: trumpet, flugelhorn, steer horn, bass drum
Roscoe Mitchell: saxophone, clarinet, flute, percussion
Joseph Jarman: saxophone, clarinet, oboe, flute, guitar, percussion
Malachi Favors: bass, banjo, percussion
Famoudou Don Moye: percussion

1. Chi-Congo
2. Enlorfe Part 1
3. Enlorfe Part 2
4. Hippparippp

You either love or hate these guys. If you believe that jazz is the sound of surprise, then these fellows occupy a special place in your heart. If, like others, you believe jazz is to be taken seriously and played only by men in suits, then this record will drive you batty. True to form, the tunes here have the loose kinetic swing that drives their early records, Ornette-ish funk and Miles-ish bop fractured by the hoots of whistles and the occasional yelp. Beyond everything else, though, is the undeniable fact that these gentlemen are sterling musicians and everything is done for a purpose, exactly when they want it to happen. A wonderful record by a bunch of really great guys.

HERE