Run by Helma Schleif, a/l/l started in early 2002. The label name is intended as an acronym based on 'a love's labour' and/or 'a lioness' love', drawn from an admiration of Agnès Varda's films, especially 'A lion's love'. The intention was to continuously present marking stones of free improvised music. a/l/l stopped releasing in 2005.