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University of Chicago Library

Guide to the Jazz Institute of Chicago Jamil Figi Papers 1964-1983

© 2008 University of Chicago Library

Acknowledgments

The Jazz Institute of Chicago Jamil Figi Papers were processed and preserved as part of the "Uncovering New Chicago Archives Project," funded with support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.

Descriptive Summary

Title:

Jazz Institute of Chicago. Figi, Jamil. Papers

Dates:

1964-1983

Size:

1.5 linear feet (1 box)

Repository:

Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

Jamil Figi, American jazz critic. The Jazz Institute of Chicago Jamil Figi Papers contain Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM) newsletters, concert and event fliers and programs, photographs, and ephemera. These papers document Figi's work with the AACM and his advocacy and promotion of jazz performers.

Information on Use

Access

The collection is open for research.

Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: Jazz Institute of Chicago. Figi, Jamil. Papers, [Box#, Folder#], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago

Biographical Note

Jamil Figi, an American jazz critic, was born May 22, 1937 in Chicago, Illinois. While growing up in Monroe, Wisconsin Figi frequently heard live jazz in Madison, Wisconsin and Chicago. Soon after high school graduation, Figi settled in Chicago and on his first night in the new city heard Lester Young play live in a nightclub. For the rest of his life, Figi remained an avid fan of Young's playing.

An influential jazz writer, Figi's work first appeared in small magazines in the early 1960's, particularly in the literary magazine December. During this time, Figi also began writing the Chicago modern jazz column for Coda magazine and liner notes for record companies, mostly notably Chicago's Delmark label. Liner notes written by Figi include: Sun Ra, Sun Song; John Young Trio, The John Young Trio; Roscoe Mitchell, Sound; Joseph Jarman, Song For; and Bud Powell, Bouncing with Bud.

Figi also wrote for John and Leni Sinclair's Change, a publication devoted to the new jazz of the 1960's as well as the popular weekly Chicago Reader. In 1969, Figi wrote his first Downbeat article about Booby Blue Bland and later interviewed jazz great, Cecil Taylor. During the 1980's, Figi became one of Downbeat's staff record reviewers. Figi was highly involved with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians. Figi was also a board member of the Jazz Institute of Chicago and a programming committee member for the Chicago Jazz Festival.

Figi died in Chicago on May 30, 1999.

Scope Note

The Jazz Institute of Chicago Jamil Figi Papers contain Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians newsletters. The concert folders contain fliers, posters and programs promoting various concert series. The musician folders contain photographs, programs, concert and event fliers, and programs. These papers document Figi's work with the AACM and his advocacy and promotion of jazz performers.

Related Resources

Browse finding aids by topic.

Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Box 1   Folder 1

Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians Newsletters, 1973-1975

Box 1   Folder 2

Concerts, 1964-1975

Box 1   Folder 3

Concerts, 1966-1983

Box 1   Folder 4

Concerts, Child City, 1972-1974

Box 1   Folder 5

Concerts, Hyde Park Art Center, 1968-1969

Box 1   Folder 6

Concerts, Lincoln Center, 1966-1967

Box 1   Folder 7

Concerts, N.A.M.E. Gallery, 1974

Box 1   Folder 8

Concerts, Parkway Community House, 1968-1970

Box 1   Folder 9

Concerts, St. John Grand Lodge, 1996

Box 1   Folder 10

Concerts, University of Chicago, 1959-1972

Box 1   Folder 11

Musician, Abrams, Muhal Richard, circa 1967

Box 1   Folder 12

Musician, Anderson, Fred, circa 1982

Box 1   Folder 13

Musician, Cohran, Philip, 1966-1967

Box 1   Folder 14

Musician, Favors, Malachi, undated

Box 1   Folder 15

Musician, Jarman, Joseph, undated

Box 1   Folder 16

Musician, Mitchell, Roscoe, undated

Box 1   Folder 17

Musician, New Horizons Ensemble, 1984-1986

Box 1   Folder 18

Musician, Wilkerson, Ed, 1986

Box 1   Folder 19

Non-AACM Performers, 1967-1968

Box 1   Folder 20

Sutherland Lounge, undated