AACM Concert Series 2024

THE ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF CREATIVE MUSICIANS, AACM

New York City Chapter, Inc.

59 Years Of Artistic Dedication

Presents

AACM CONCERT SERIES 2024

Master Percussionist/Composer Reggie Nicholson4plex

Featuring
Eddie Allen, Trumpet
Avram Fefer, Woodwinds
Ken Filiano, Bass
Reggie Nicholson, Drums and Percussion

Master Percussionist/Composer Thurman BarkerCircles

Featuring
Akua Dixon, Cello
Fay Victor, Voice
Rob Schwimmer, Piano
Thurman Barker, Drums and Percussion

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Reggie Nicholson - an esteemed American drummer and composer, in the world of jazz and contemporary music. Reggie Nicholson’s professional career took off in the late 1970s when he became a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), a collective of avant-garde jazz musicians dedicated to nurturing new musical ideas and approaches. His association with AACM not only solidified his reputation as a forward-thinking artist but also provided him with opportunities to collaborate with some of the most influential musicians in the genre. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Nicholson’s dynamic drumming and inventive compositions brought him widespread acclaim. He performed and recorded with luminaries such as Henry Threadgill, Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams, Anthony Braxton, Amina Claudine Myers, Sam Newsome, Dewey Redman, Myra Melford, James Spaulding, Thomas Chapin, just name a few. His ability to seamlessly integrate complex rhythms and unconventional structures into his playing made him a sought-after collaborator in both live performances and studio recordings. Nicholson’s drumming is characterized by its versatility and expressive power. He is known for his meticulous attention to tone, texture, and dynamics, which allows him to create deeply emotional and textured musical landscapes. As a composer, Nicholson has contributed a number of original works that showcase his ability to blend intricate rhythmic patterns with melodic and harmonic sophistication. His music is celebrated for its innovative spirit and its capacity to push the boundaries of conventional jazz. His compositions often reflect a deep engagement with the African American musical tradition, while also incorporating elements from various other genres, including classical, world music, and electronic. His contributions as both a performer and a composer have enriched the musical landscape, making him a true innovator and a respected voice in American music.
www.reggienicholson.com

(Photo credit: Maurice Robertson)


Thurman Barker - is a celebrated percussionist who built his career on innovation. As a professional musician, composer and college professor, he brings endless passion and decades of experience together to entertain, educate, and expand the horizons of his art. His career has spanned decades, and his talent encompasses and crosses over into many musical genres. From jazz and blues to contemporary, classical and beyond, his sound blurs traditionally rigid lines to the delight of his audiences. Barker’s wealth of knowledge was built through countless incredible collaborators. Most notable musical experiences have been with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. A charter member of the group, Thurman first appeared in AACM productions with Joseph Jarman’s pioneering ensembles. He then went on to record and play with many members, including Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams, Amina Claudine Meyers, Anthony Braxton, Leroy Jenkins, Roscoe Mitchell and Henry Threadgill. After moving to New York in the late 70s, Barker worked and recorded with Sam Rivers and Cecil Taylor. Since creating UPTEE RECORDS in the early 80s, Barker has released six recordings as a leader. In 2016, Barker began writing for Chamber Orchestra. His first entitled South Side Suite premiered at Bard College in the Fall 2017. S.S.S. had its New York premiere at Roulette 2019.His second score PANDEMIC FEVER had its premiere at DePaul University in Chicago October 1, 2021. His recent score entitled MR. SPEED-STR will have its premiere Fall 2022. Thurman Barker is a recipient of a 2022 NYSCA award for composition.Thurman Barker is Professor Emeritus at Bard College in music/jazz studies. www.upteeproductions.com

Our Sponsors

This Event is made possible by New York State Council On The Arts with the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature, additional funds made possible by Individual Donors.

About the AACM

The Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), is a non- profit tax-exempt arts organization co-founded in 1965 by Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams, Jodie Christian, Kelan Phil Cohran, and Steve McCall, is one of the oldest musicians associations in the United States. Since its founding in Chicago, Illinois in 1965, the organization’s members have developed a body of work that encompasses the spectrum of traditional and contemporary music. The AACM New York City Chapter, Inc. a non-profit tax-exempt entity was established in 1983. The AACM New York City Chapter, Inc. functions as an ensemble of composers and performers whose mission is to present concerts that feature world premieres of original music, which are composed by AACM members. The AACM is significantly unique in that it has nurtured and brought to fruition so many accomplished composers and performers. The organization’s artists have developed a body of work that has achieved lasting significance across borders of music genres and geography to play a critical role in the ever evolving process of music creation and its vital influence throughout the world. AACM members who have been featured in our programs include: Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell, Wadada Leo Smith, Henry Threadgill, Thurman Barker, Adegoke Steve Colson, Iqua Colson, Chico Freeman, Amina Claudine Myers, George Lewis, Reggie Nicholson, Leonard Jones, Peggy Abrams, Richarda Abrams and posthumously Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams, Joseph Jarman, Leroy Jenkins, Frank Gordon, Kalaparusha Ahra Difda, Lester Bowie, Steve McCall, Fred Anderson, John Stubblefield and Fred Hopkins. This concert is part of the AACM New York City Chapter, Inc. Concert Series that is held annually in New York.

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