AMMMusic
In 1965, AMM began a radically different kind of music-making. The prevalent notions of musical theory, practice, hierarchy and structure (thematic reference, jumping-off points--for example the 'head' arrangements from which improvisation lifted off--and even the relatively informal criteria of the then 'free jazz' movement) were replaced by the creation of, and engagement with, a soundworld in which there was not even a formal beginning and ending. And, from its first raucous explosions, it knew too that it was not only speaking in a new language but that it was talking about things not perceived in any musics the member-musicians had heard elsewhere."  While this may appear rather self-important, I think it is rather close to the truth. Drummer Prévost, along with saxophonist Lou Gare, guitarist Keith Rowe, and cellist/bassist Lawrence Sheaff, immediately began making music that was almost undefinable except as "improvisation". They were joined in 1966 by composer Cornelius Cardew, who was largely interested in finding an ensemble to perform his large scale graphic work "Treatise". They released the classic AMMMusic 1966. It is an exciting free-for-all of an album, that is brought into focus by the innate sense of structure possessed by the members. While perhaps any improvisation can be seen as "self-indulgent", this album never comes off as pretentious, but rather the sense of fun and adventure is all too evident, a trait that AMM has been able to keep alive.  Sheaff departed shortly after the album's release. Adding percussionist/composer Christopher Hobbs, AMM released their second album, The Crypt 12 June '68. A bit more frantic and a little less focused than their first, it is still a worthwhile album, though perhaps not essential.  AMM spent the next few years performing occasionally, until 1972 when Cardew and Rowe departed. Prévost and Gare continued as a duo, producing a couple of recordings, AMM at the Roundhouse and To Hear and Back Again. In 197 --Eddie Prévost (a founding member of AMM)