ARCHIE SHEPP

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1937. He grew up in Philadelphia where he studied drama at Goddard College. When trying to secure theatrical work in New York, he started playing the saxophone (first alto, later tenor) and soon performed in avantgarde ensembles. (Cecil Taylor's group 1960 - 62, Bill Dixon - Archie Shepp Quartet 1962 - 63, New York Contemporary Five 1963 - 64). His own groups included eminent musicians such as trombonist Roswell Rudd, Grachan Moncur, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, drummer Beaver Harris. Shepp used free jazz as a vehicle for political expression and was an important factor in the growing acceptance of Afro-American identity.

From 1974 on he holds the position of Associate Professor at the U. of Massachusetts but continues his concert career at the same time, working mostly in Europe. Archie Shepp is a seminal figure in the development of the New Music and influenced many saxophonists of the avantgarde.