Artifacts Trio (VS)

Members of the stellar Artifacts Trio — flutist Nicole Mitchell, cellist Tomeka Reid, and drummer Mike Reed — have long been recognized as pioneers of Chicago's innovative jazz scene, as well as the most outstanding third-generation educator performers of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Music (AACM), a historically important, leading arts organization. in Chicago.

Reviewing the band live, The New York Times summed up the Artifacts Trio's sound like this: “Nicole Mitchell's flute and Tomeka Reid's cello met Mike Reed's heavy drumming, creating a watery sound that allowed itself to deform, melt, and spread throughout the room.”

Despite all the ambition, “Artifacts Trio are a cool band — because the three of us have been close friends for many years,” says Nicole Mitchell. “I don't think we can separate our friendships from music. This project was a way to celebrate our mutual AACM inspiration while at the same time learning more about ways to support their musical aesthetic — and the free improvisations on the album reflect how we grew up together.