Last Exit

Though it's inherently contradictory, Last Exit were a Free Jazz supergroup that brought together an immense group of talent. Bill Laswell provided the sub-harmonic bass grooves that matched the screeching multiphonic saxophone of Peter Brotzmann, the atonal stabs of guitarist Sonny Sharrock, and the crashing rhythms of Ronald Shannon Jackson. Their sonic explorations drew on Punk as much as jazz, and their reliance on total improvisation, as well as their rejection of all form earned them accolades from the boldest figures in jazz. Last Exit's high-decibel live shows featured guests as distinguished as Herbie Hancock.