Art Ensemble Of Chicago - With Fontenella Bass (1970)

Recorded in Paris in 1970, this collaboration between the Art Ensemble of Chicago and Fontella Bass serves as a compelling studio documentation of the group's live repertoire. The presence of Bass, who integrated R&B and gospel sensibilities with avant-garde vocal techniques, added a significant theatrical dimension to the ensemble's sound. The album features expansive compositions such as the "How Strange / Ole Jed" suite and "Horn, Webb," characterized by a transition from rhythmic solos to complex, textural improvisations. Decades after its release, the recording remains a testament to the group's innovative spirit, maintaining its freshness and historical significance within the jazz avant-garde.

Tracklist:
1-1 Art Ensemble Of Chicago;Art Ensemble of Chicago - How Strange - Ole Jed (Album Version) [21:57]
1-2 Art Ensemble Of Chicago;Art Ensemble of Chicago - Horn Webb (Instrumental) [19:40]