The Revolutionary Ensemble - and now...

In the 1970s and early '80s, the Revolutionary Ensemble lived up to its name. One of the major free improvising groups to emerge from Chicago's AACM, the unit featured stirring solos, tight but spontaneous ensembles and a unique sound formed by the blending of violinist Leroy Jenkins, bassist Sirone and drummer-percussionist Jerome Cooper.

Twenty years after its last performances, the Revolutionary Ensemble came back together in 2004. Happily, the three musicians' fire, adventurous nature and determination to express themselves through their highly original music was still very much intact. And Now... has Jenkins, Sirone and Cooper performing a piece with forward momentum ("Berlin Erfahrung"), a dirge, a one-chord drone, the thoughtful "Light" and a whimsical and surprisingly gentle number ("Ism Schism") that pays tribute to Western classical music. Fans of the group can rejoice that nothing has been lost through the years. AllMusicGuide