In the realm of jazz, The Art Ensemble of Chicago is known for taking
the improvisational idiom a step or three beyond its usual parameters.
Members included Roscoe Mitchell on saxophone, Lester Bowie on trumpet,
and Malachi Favors on bass. All were multi-instrumentalists, switching
axes during their performances, including bicycle horns and novelty
noise makers. There was also a visual element to their shows, involving
costumes and face paint. They were active from the mid-1960s to the
early 2000s. Here is one of our favorite pieces by the AEC, called
Odwalla:
Wikipedia article: Art Ensemble of Chicago
