The Jazz Composers Guild Following a series of Avant-Garde jazz concerts at NYC's Cellar Cafe (The October Revolution) in 1964, trumpeter and composer Bill Dixon sought to improve the working conditions of Jazz musicians, whom he felt were being exploited by venues and record labels. Further discussions, initially with Cecil Taylor, led to the creation of the Jazz Composers Guild in 1965. Members included Bill Dixon, Sun Ra, Paul Bley, Roswell Rudd, Carla Bley, Mike Mantler, Cecil Taylor, John Tchicai and Archie Shepp. Ascension Recording. Archie Shepp (Left) During its short run, the Jazz Composers Guild experienced tension with other political groups including with Amiri Baraka. Bill Dixon faced defending the Guild due to its inclusion of white musicians. He agreed that white musicians were treated better, but not by much. Ascension Recording. John Tchicai (Centre) John Coltrane's Ascension recording in 1965 included members of the Guild, Archie Shepp and
Jamo Spingal