Building a funky, intelligent hybrid of spoken word, hip-hop, and rock, the members of the Fine Arts Militia aren't new to the music scene. The five-man group was founded when Public Enemy main man Chuck D connected with ex-Bootsy Collins bass player/producer Hardgroove for a creative outlet outside of rap music. The two had already worked together with Chuck D's Confrontation Camp, but this time the aim was different. Chuck D, who's a regular political preacher at college campuses across North America, wanted something that would bridge his ideas about post-September 11th America with a jazz-inspired soundscape. Wes Little (drums), Victor J. Burks (keyboards), and Brad Craig (guitar) joined the Fine Arts Militia and their debut album, We Are Gathered Here, appeared on Koch in spring 2003. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide