The legendary saxophonist Kidd Jordan is internationally acclaimed as one of the true master improvisers still performing today. He was recognized as a jazz maverick back in the 1940s who was always intent on exploring the outer reaches of jazz. In recognition of his creative achievements, Kidd Jordan was bestowed with Knighthood by French. He is also an associate professor of music at Southern University in New Orleans where he directs the jazz studies program. Joel Futterman is a veteran pioneer into the frontiers of spontaneously improvised music. He is known for his highly imaginative and innovative piano technique and is recognized as one of the foremost inventive artists shaping the progressive music scene today. Master percussionist Alvin Fielder has been one of the true leaders in improvisational music for over four decades. He and several other Chicago based jazz musicians founded the Association for the Advancement of Creative Music (AACM) in 1963.