Since the early 1970s, composer, multi-instrumentalist and bandleader Henry Threadgill has been one of the key figures of avant-garde and instrumental music. He has created an extensive music opus encompassing over 150 records. Although his sound stems from the great American tradition of black music, Threadgill often resorts to forms and instruments that have historical connection to chamber or orchestra music. A zooid is a cell that is able to move independently of the larger organism to which it belongs, an apt description of the musical language that Threadgill has developed for this band.