The all-star band The Leaders created a big stir in the 80s and 90s. Releases on various labels and international tours gained the band worldwide recognition. The bands members were none less than Arthur Blythe, Lester Bowie, Chico Freeman, Famoudou Don Moye, Cecil McBee and Kirk Lightsey. Now the group has been revived. The initiators were Chico Freeman and Cecil McBee, who remembered the “good old times” and had the great idea to create an ensemble composed of experienced leaders again. Unfortunately, a few of the original members are no longer available. Lester Bowie has died in the meantime, Arthur Blythe could not participate for health reasons, etc. Consequently, an ensemble was composed of experienced musicians who are big names in jazz on one hand, and on the other hand have often been on stage or in a studio together. It finally happened in the summer 2006 when a new CD was recorded. The music, all originals from bandmembers, ranges from advanced hard bop to hints of the avant-garde, from bluesy material to a pair of duets by Freeman and McBee. "Spirits Alike" has been released worldwide in March 2007 and it will be presented in various clubs and festivals worldwide this fall.
