The Leaders is an American avant-jazz supergroup, formed by tenor saxophonist , originally active in 19831994, and reunited in 2006. The band went through a few personnel changes in the early years. In the original line-up, Freeman played with on alto saxophone and on trumpet, backed with a rhythm section by (piano), (bass) and (drums and percussion). Pullen was replaced with , and eventually , while A.E.C's trumpeter took over Cherry's duties in the third, and most prolific, reincarnation.
The Leaders released three albums on and in the 1980s, as well as CD on Japanese label in 1994. The sextet was met with mixed reviews while each member independently was a universally recognized mastodon of the 80's free jazz, some critics characterized The Leaders as being more of a novelty. The rhythm section of the ensemble also released one album, , as on label in 1989.
In 2006, Chico Freeman decided to revive The Leaders, and invited to take Lester Bowie's place, with on alto saxophone, and Cecil McBee (the only other original 'Leader' in the band), (piano) and (drums) forming a rhythm section. The reunited sextet recorded and released album on German label .
Original members (1983)
Chico Freeman tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe alto saxophone
Don Cherry trumpet
Don Pullen piano
Cecil McBee bass
Famoudou Don Moye drums
Second incarnation (1984)
Chico Freeman tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe alto saxophone
Don Cherry trumpet
Hilton Ruiz* piano
Cecil McBee bass
Famoudou Don Moye drums
Final 3rd incarnation (198594)
Chico Freeman tenor saxophone
Arthur Blythe alto saxophone
Lester Bowie* trumpet
Kirk Lightsey* piano, flute
Cecil McBee bass
Famoudou Don Moye drums, percussion
* New members with asterix
The reunited Leaders (2007)
Chico Freeman* tenor & soprano saxophone
Bobby Watson alto saxophone
Eddie Henderson trumpet
Fred Harris piano
Cecil McBee* bass
Billy Hart drums
* Original members with asterix
Members
- Eddie Henderson
- Don Cherry
- Lester Bowie
- Arthur Blythe
- Billy Hart
- Hilton Ruiz
- Cecil McBee
- Don Pullen
- Chico Freeman
- Kirk Lightsey
- Bobby Watson
- Famoudou Don Moye
- Fred Harris