Return of the Lost Tribe

It was the Art Ensemble of Chicago who carried the torch for what it called “Great Black Music — Ancient to the Future,” but more broadly, that term served as a guiding mission statement for generations of AACM members, including those who united here as Bright Moments. For these musicians — including Art Ensemble flutist-saxophonist Joseph Jarman, then on a hiatus from the AEOC, and bassist Malachi Favors; saxophonist Kalaparusha Maurice McIntyre; pianist Adegoke Steve Colson; and drummer Kahil El’Zabar — it was second nature to present a high-energy free jazz workout like Jarman’s “Song of Joy for the Predestined” alongside El’Zabar’s “Ornette,” a hypnotic excursion driven by a bass vamp and hand drums, or the percussionist’s modal swinger of a title track, a beautiful showcase for the contrasting sax styles of McIntyre and Jarman.