The Meeting cover

The Meeting

Art Ensemble of Chicago · 2003

59 min · 7 tracks · free jazz

A vibrant tapestry of improvisation intertwining joyful melodies with intricate rhythms and exploratory textures.

Why this album works

The album is significant for its exploration of the free jazz idiom and its reception within avant-garde circles, demonstrating the band's continued relevance in a genre that often evolves rapidly. Critics noted its blend of spontaneity and structure, reaffirming the Art Ensemble's status as key figures in the jazz landscape, especially highlighted by reviews in outlets like All About Jazz.
Career context
By the time 'The Meeting' was released in 2003, the Art Ensemble of Chicago had already established themselves as pioneers of free jazz since their formation in the 1960s. This album followed several years of collaboration, showcasing their deep-rooted synergy and commitment to innovation after decades of evolving their sound and lineup.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Hail We Now Sing Joy Standout 4:56
  • 2 It’s the Sign of the Times Standout 18:44
  • 3 Tech Ritter and the Megabytes 4:22
  • 4 Wind and Drum Standout 11:09
  • 5 The Meeting 6:49
  • 6 Amin Bidness 8:33
  • 7 The Train to Io 4:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata