The M-Base Collective was more than a "band". It was a collaborative group of musicians, choreographers dancers, poets, writers and other artists that shared a vision and resources. M-Base created a new model for the performing arts in and around New York City in the through the 1980s. Members joined and left M-Base on a highly mutable and fluid basis. Not all members appear on all albums. The most continuous and consistent member was alto saxophonist Steve Coleman.