The
Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (
AACM) is a
non-profit organization, founded in
Chicago,
Illinois, United States, by pianist/composer
Muhal Richard Abrams, pianist
Jodie Christian, drummer
Steve McCall, and composer
Phil Cohran. Early members included
Henry Threadgill,
Anthony Braxton,
Jack DeJohnette,
Wadada Leo Smith,
Leroy Jenkins,
Amina Claudine Myers, Adegoke Steve Colson,
Chico Freeman,
George Lewis and the
Art Ensemble of Chicago:
Lester Bowie,
Roscoe Mitchell,
Joseph Jarman,
Famoudou Don Moye, and
Malachi Favors. The AACM is devoted "to nurturing, performing, and recording serious, original music," according to its charter. It supports and encourages
jazz performers,
composers and
educators. While founded in the Jazz tradition, the groups outreach and influence has, according to Larry Blumenfeld, "touched nearly all corners of modern music."