 They created a big stir in the 80s and 90s: The all-star band ÒThe LeadersÓ. Releases on various labels (Black Hawk, Black Saint and Sunnyside) 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 Ògood old timesÓ and had the great idea to create an ensemble composed of experienced Òleaders 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 formed around the core of the two legends McBee and Freeman, which is 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 Ð blind trust was to be the basis. A trumpeter was quickly found with Eddie Henderson, who fit perfectly into the concept, and Bobby Watson was also enthusiastic about the project from the start. The fact that Billie Hart was involved was almost self-evident, since he has been friends with all of them for a long time. Only the pianist Fred Harris is perhaps not so well known (yet), even though he knows the other musicians of the band from joint performances and CD projects. It finally happened in the summer 2006. Compositions were shared and worked out together in extended sessions and then a new CD was recorded during two days at Twinz Studios in New Jersey. The air was electric in the studio from the first note; the leaders interacted flawlessly and each individual was part of an ambience bursting with the joy of playing and creativity. Technical tricks or game-playing were superfluous with so much concentrated professionalism, and the first take was usually already the perfect take. It was immediately clear, since all were highly motivated, that only a CD recording would not suffice; a tour together was required. Consequently, plans for 2007 are already in an advanced stage, and the CD will be presented in various clubs and at festivals worldwide next year. Chico Freeman (*1949) Ð ts, ss: The son of the tenor saxophonist Von Freeman has already released numerous records and CDs and is at home in almost all styles of jazz. Strongly influenced by John Coltrane, the saxophonist has already played in many other ensembles from Jack de JohnetteÕs Special Edition all the way to the bands of Sun Ra, Don Pullen and Elvin Jones. His sound on the tenor sax is unmistakable, and he also produces a very soft but succinct expression on the soprano saxophone. Bobby Watson (*1953) Ð as: He began is career with Art BlakeyÕs Jazz Messengers in the 70s and was even soon the musical director of the band. He later played with Wynton Marsalis, Louie Hayes, George Coleman and many others before he founded his 29th Street Saxophone Quartet and later the band ÒHorizonÓ. Numerous records at Columbia, Enja and Blue Note, among others, are proof of his importance as more of the most outstanding alto players in jazz. Eddie Henderson (*1940) Ð tp: Miles Davis is HendersonÕs great model, but he has developed his own sound even though you can hear touches of Davis in HendersonÕs playing time and again. At the end the 60s, he made a reputation for himself in Herbie HancockÕs Sextet, and his joint performances and recordings with Joe Henderson, Charles Earland, John Handy and Art Blakey are well known by all jazz aficionados. His current solo project (with Billie Hart on drums and others) was released in 2006 and received good reviews in the press. Fred Harris (*1970) Ð p: The ÒyoungsterÓ of the band is from San Francisco. He has already earned a good reputation in the West Coast scene and is on the way to the very top. He has mastery not only of modern jazz forms, but also has training in classical music and is often a guest in rock bands. His playing is powerful but sensitive, and you often hear his affinity with Oscar Peterson. In addition, he also contributed a few beautiful compositions and arrangements, which immediately earned him the respect of his older colleagues. He friendly and humorous disposition opened the hearts of all to him. Cecil McBee (*1935) Ð b: He is certainly one of the most skilled and esteemed bass players of jazz, the undisputed Òcrowning gloryÓ of the band. McBeeÕs experience goes back to the 50s when he had his first notable performances with Dinah Washington. He has played with almost all illustrious names of jazz since that time: Wayne Shorter, Keith Jarrett, Pharoah Sanders, Sam Rivers and Andrew Hill just to name a few. The still very agile bassist is very much in demand with his soulful mode of playing till today, and he can often be heard on his own CDs. Billy Hart (*1940) Ð d: Unbelievably versatile and flexible with the timing of Swiss clockworks are qualities, which made the drummer the first choice of musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Shirley Horn, Stan Getz, McCoy Tyner and many others from the start. Consequently, he is one of the busiest drummers in New York, but he still always finds times for his own projects (a new album was released under his name in 2006) and of course for the Leaders!
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