AACM presents: An Evening of Creative Music featuring a rare solo performance by Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith and New Voices of the AACM

CHICAGO-The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) and the University of Chicago present the first concert in its 2006 season: An Evening of Creative Music featuring a rare solo performance by Ishmael Wadada Leo Smith and New Voices of the AACM on Friday May 5, 2006 at the University of Chicago’s Fulton Recital Hall, 1010 E. 59th St. (corner of Ellis Ave. and 59th St.) on the 4th floor. The entrance is through courtyard, door on the left. The concert begins at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices are $25, $15 for students and can be purchased at the door.



A longtime AACM member, Mr. Smith is a trumpet-player, multi-instrumentalist, composer and improviser who has been active in the creative contemporary world music for over thirty years. As an Improvisor/Composer, Smith has studied a variety of music cultures (African, Japanese, Indonesian, European and American) and has developed a Jazz and world music theory, and a notation system to fully express this music which he calls "Ankhrasmation". He has composed music for solo, ensemble, classical and creative orchestra and stage works.
Mr. Smith's Nda-Kulture ensemble has performed most of his music since 1970. His compositions has been performed by other contemporary music ensembles: AACM Orchestra, Kronos Quartet, Da Capo Chamber Player, New Century Players, San Francisco Contemporary Music Players, Contemporary Chamber Players (University of Chicago), S.E.M. Ensemble and California E.A.R. Unit.
The AACM is a world renowned organization which proudly and loudly celebrated its 40th anniversary last year with a year-long concert series culminating with a festival at the Museum of Contemporary Art. From the start, the AACM positioned itself at the forefront of musical innovation, and its members have long been recognized for their influence on 20th-Century music. Drawing on a wide range of musical styles, AACM members have created new notation systems, extended techniques and new technologies, invented instruments, kinetic sculptures, and much more, creating a composite approach that has come to be known around the world as "Great Black Music: Ancient to the Future."

The 5 After 7 Project featuring New Voices of the AACM’s is an ensemble representing the organization’s newest members’ work. The ensemble will be featuring compositions written by Saalik Ziyad. This ensemble features Al Strong, trumpet; Art Turk Burton, percussion; Khari B, spoken word; Isaiah Jackson, trombone; Jephte Lanthia, bass; Ann Ward, piano and vocals; Saalik A. Ziyad, vocals and Taalib-Din Ziyad, flute and vocals.