In the third and final episode of this mini-series celebrating the unique sound of avant-garde music in Chicago, our hosts turn to the still-living legacy and influence of the AACM on global music. Topics include the importance of the Chicago labels Delmark Records and International Anthem as well as the central themes of self-reliance, community, and artistic freedom for all artists associated with the AACM.

The three albums discussed are Nicole Mitchell's Black Earth Ensemble album Black Unstoppable (2007), Angel Bad Dawid's Requiem for Jazz (2023), and the album Spirit Gatherer: Tribute to Don Cherry (2023) by David Ornette Cherry, Dwight Trible, and the Ethnic Heritage Ensemble.

The three books mentioned are Paul Steinbeck's Message to Our Folks: The Art Ensemble of Chicago (2017), George E. Lewis' A Power Stronger Than Itself: The AACM and American Experimental Music (2008), and Bruce Adams' You're with Stupid: kranky, Chicago, and the Reinvention of Indie Music (2022).

The first audio clip at the beginning of the episode is Anthony Braxton's track 'Refuge' from the album Nine Compositions (2000). The full track at the end is 'Space of No Pain' from Kahil El'Zabar's Tri-Factor With Billy Bang & Hamiet Bluiett – The Power (2000). Both tracks courtesy of CIMP.