The long-time bassist with the Art Ensemble of Chicago has also played a variety of miscellaneous instruments (including banjo, zither, bells, gong, harmonica, melodica and percussion) on their many records. In his early days he played bop in Chicago with Andrew Hill (mid-'50s) and other local musicians. Favors was in the AACM from the start, being a member of Muhal Richard Abrams' Experimental Band as early as 1961. He joined Roscoe Mitchell's quartet in 1966 which soon became the Art Ensemble. In addition to his work with that important group, Favors has recorded with Archie Shepp, Sunny Murray, Dewey Redman, Abrams and Lester Bowie. -- Scott Yanow, All-Music Guide

He's well known as a member of The Art Ensemble of Chicago, but Malachi Favors Maghostut is also a first-rate bassist outside that organization. He's played with many bebop, hard bop and free groups, and his rigorous accompaniment is a vital piece of The Art Ensemble puzzle. -- Ron Wynn

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