Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Jun 17, 2026

Early Combinations

Early Combinations is an album by a formative stage of the band which later became the Art Ensemble of Chicago. It was recorded in 1967 at Lester Bowie's home but not issued as a single CD until 2012 by Nessa Records. The two tracks on the album were originally included in the 1993 limited edition box set Art Ensemble 1967/68, also released by Nessa. "A To Ericka" was recorded for submission to a Jazz Festival in Poland and was unsuccessful in its purpose. "Quintet" was a dress rehearsal for a concert arranged by Jarman to take place at Winnetka High School that was cancelled.

Last revised
Jun 17, 2026
Read time
≈ 1 min
Length
228 w
Citations
3
Source
Early Combinations
Studio album by
Released2012
RecordedSeptember 2 & November 2, 1967
StudioLester Bowie home, Chicago
GenreJazz
Length44:26
LabelNessa
ProducerChuck Nessa
Roscoe Mitchell chronology
Old/Quartet
(1967)
Early Combinations
(2012)
Congliptious
(1968)

Early Combinations is an album by a formative stage of the band which later became the Art Ensemble of Chicago. It was recorded in 1967 at Lester Bowie's home but not issued as a single CD until 2012 by Nessa Records. The two tracks on the album were originally included in the 1993 limited edition box set Art Ensemble 1967/68, also released by Nessa.1 "A To Ericka" was recorded for submission to a Jazz Festival in Poland and was unsuccessful in its purpose. "Quintet" was a dress rehearsal for a concert arranged by Jarman to take place at Winnetka High School that was cancelled.2

Reception

The JazzTimes review by Mike Shanley notes that "It’s impressive how strong these two 20-minute-plus tracks sound, considering the group was not a proper unit at the time."3

Track listing

  1. "A to Ericka" (Favors / Mitchell / Jarman) - 21:39
  2. "Quintet" (Joseph Jarman) - 22:47

Personnel

References

References

  1. Early Combinations at Nessa Records
  2. Liner notes by Terry Martin
  3. Shanley, Mike. Early Combinations review at JazzTimes