The Leaders

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• 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 release 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, release, 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 release 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