Full Force (Art Ensemble of Chicago album)

Full Force is a studio album by the Art Ensemble of Chicago, released in 1980 on the ECM label. It represents a significant moment in the group's discography, showcasing their commitment to both avant-garde improvisation and exploration of diverse musical traditions.

The album features the core members of the Art Ensemble: Lester Bowie (trumpet, flugelhorn), Joseph Jarman (saxophones, clarinets, flutes, vocals), Roscoe Mitchell (saxophones, clarinets, flutes), Malachi Favors Maghostut (bass, percussion), and Famoudou Don Moye (drums, percussion).

Full Force demonstrates the Ensemble's characteristic eclecticism. Tracks often incorporate elements of free jazz, blues, world music, and theatrical performance. The musicians frequently switch instruments, creating a dense and layered sound. The album is notable for its balance of intense, exploratory improvisations with moments of quiet reflection and melodic beauty. It contains both completely improvised pieces and compositions credited to individual members or the group as a whole.

The album's title, Full Force, can be interpreted as reflecting the band's energetic and powerful collective sound, as well as their unwavering dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. It is considered by many critics to be one of the Art Ensemble of Chicago's most successful and representative albums.