'The first time I heard them I knew they had something important to say, and say it for a long time.' Maurice Culloz, Radio France

'What stands out in my mind about the Art Ensemble besides the obvious innovations they made and continue to make, is the fact that they've stayed together. When you consider the odds, the obstacles and the forces leveled against an institution like that, just in terms of art it-self, to say nothing about the social ramifications; that makes them a phenomenon on two levels: a musical, and a social level. The implica-tion here is that there is an incredible high level of intelligence going on between these guys. To be able to see-to visualize the obstacles and persevere. These guys are a positive and inspiring institution.' Billy Hart, Musician

'I remember the first concert we did with the Art Ensemble was in Queen Elizabeth Hall. The thing that just grabbed me so much about the group was that they had such a sense of theater and drama. The way they attacked music and told a story through a concert. It's a very rare skill and talent. The Art Ensemble always struck me as more than just a group of musicians performing in a recognized format. They've got this tweak about their work which is a love of tradition going way back. They use tradition to inform the future. Their tagline, Ancient to the Future, is very cleverly thought through. It's always a pleasure working with them because you know that what you get is something no one else can do. I mean there is an extraordinary buzz on stage sometimes that nobody else can do. Moye and Malachi are exceptional. It's excep-tional the way they each have their own persona on stage ... it's very rare. And each time they play, one senses their commitment, just from their presence on stage, and from the very first note.' John Cummings, Promoter