Amina Claudine Myers, Evolving Song

In this episode of Expandable Sound, Amina Claudine Myers describes her evolution from church choirgirl to jazz improviser, from her days with the AACM to her new work on the life of Harriet Tubman. Myers's rich voice and expressive dynamism on the piano carries through it all.

Born in Blackwell, Arkansas, Amina Claudine Myers started singing and playing the piano and organ as a child in church choirs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area in Texas. In the early 60s she worked with greats Sonny Stitt and Gene Ammons, before joining the AACM (Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians) in 1966.

Notable collaborations include recordings with Bill Laswell, Marian McPartland, the Art Ensemble of Chicago, Archie Shepp, David Murray, Arthur Blythe, Frank Lowe, Leroy Jenkins, Jim Pepper and Ray Anderson.

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