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 Art Ensemble
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
Old/Quartet (1967) Early Combinations (2012) Congliptious (1968)

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

1. "A to Ericka" (Favors / Mitchell / Jarman) - 21:39
2. "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