Founded in 1972 by Idris Ackamoor, Margaux Simmons, and Kimathi Asante at Antioch College, The Pyramids are a seminal force in spiritual and avant-garde jazz. Their identity was solidified during a transformative journey through Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Ghana), where they integrated traditional rhythmic structures and instruments into their free-jazz foundation.
This period resulted in a trilogy of self-released albums - Lalibela, King of Kings, and Birth / Speed / Merging - which became legendary among crate-diggers for their rare blend of cosmic exploration and grounded, earthy percussion. After disbanding in 1977, the group saw a massive critical resurgence in the 2000s, leading to a reunion and new recordings like 'Otherworldly'. Their work is characterized by dual-saxophone harmonies, heavy use of the mbira and various bells, and a philosophy of 'music as fire.' They are often compared to Sun Ra or the Art Ensemble of Chicago but maintain a distinct rhythmic accessibility rooted in their field-study experiences.
Shares free jazz, spiritual jazz, avant-garde jazz, jazz fusion (subgenre)
Shares free jazz, spiritual jazz, avant-garde jazz, percussion (subgenre)
Shares free jazz, spiritual jazz, avant-garde jazz, percussion (subgenre)
Shares spiritual jazz, avant-garde jazz, percussion, field_recordings (signature)
Shares free jazz, spiritual jazz, avant-garde jazz, percussion (subgenre)
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