Muhal Richard Abrams

Muhal Richard Abrams (1930-2017) was an American pianist, composer and educator, born in Chicago. In 1965 he co-founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) with Jodie Christian, Phil Cohran and Steve McCall, and served as its first president. The organisation shaped Chicago's creative jazz scene, and Abrams spent his life writing for small groups and large ensembles across jazz and composed music. From 1961 Abrams led the Experimental Band, a rehearsal group for his compositions that drew in many younger Chicago players.