Vision Quest

Flutist Nicole Mitchell's main project is the Black Earth Ensemble, a Chicago-based group which can be considered a work in progress since it continuously changes shapes and sizes. On Vision Quest, Mitchell brings together musicians from various generations: young guns, such as bassist Darius Savage and violinist Savoir Faire, and experienced veterans, such as Hamid Drake and Avreeayl Ra, who alternate on drums and lay a solid foundation. As a member of the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM), Mitchell is faithful to its philosophy — she combines respect for the tradition with an outlook turned toward the future. The unusual lineup that includes flute, violin, and viola and her unconventional technique undoubtedly indicate that she is looking for her own path. As every AACM member, she had to hone her skills as a bandleader and composer. Her pieces display her knack for pretty melodies full of spirituality and poetry, whether they take the form of a reverie or are developed over a solid groove. Often resorting to complex structures and tempo changes, Mitchell has a proven talent for layering or intertwining various motives, thus making her music quite unpredictable. For many, the AACM is often reduced to the great talents it produced in the '60s and '70s. This promising debut recording clearly shows that the organization still fosters young, creative musicians who can enable the organization to remain relevant in the future.