The Pyramids

The Pyramids, a spiritually minded ensemble blending Afro-jazz elements, came together in 1971 during the members' time as students at Antioch College in Ohio. Beginning with saxophonist Idris Ackamoor, flutist Margo Simmons, and bassist Kimathi Asante, the lineup later expanded to incorporate multiple percussionists along with, on occasion, a pair of bassists. Drawing influence from figures like Sun Ra as well as pianist Cecil Taylor, who instructed at Antioch throughout the 1970s, the Pyramids wove together African rhythms with free jazz and a hint of psychedelic soul. After extensive touring and a move to San Francisco, they put out three albums—Lalibela in 1973, King of Kings in 1974, and Birth, Speed, Merging in 1976—prior to their dissolution in 1977. The Pyramids reconvened in 2010 to embark on a tour promoting the reissuing of their full discography, followed by sessions for a collection of fresh compositions at Faust's studio in Germany in the summer of 2011. Their first album of original material in many years, Otherworldly, saw release the next year.