The Leaders (3)

The Leaders is an 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 Slipping And Sliding 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, Heaven Dance, 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 (2) on alto saxophone, and Cecil McBee (the only other original 'Leader' in the band), Fred Harris (2) (piano) and Billy Hart (drums) forming a rhythm section. The reunited sextet recorded and released Spirits Alike 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