Derek Bailey On The Edge: Improvisation in Music

US Inspirational four part series from 1992 23/10/21

As the introduction suggests, improvised music has a slightly negative air for many, referred to as "making it up as you go along" or "playing off the top of your head". This four part documentary written and presented by Derek Bailey seeks to take a wider view of improvisation, drawing examples from all over the world - charting its history and cultural relevance from Andalusia to Rajasthan. What better excuse to get your gear out and jam with no particular destination in mind?

Part 1: Passing It On is linked above, and you'll find the other episodes below:

Part 2: Movements in Time

Part 3: A Liberating Thing

Part 4: Nothin' Premeditated

We posted an interview with Derek Bailey a few weeks back, listen to that here: https://sonicstate.com/news/2021/09/21/derek-bailey-interviewed-by-henry-kaiser/. The series was a Harcourt Films Production in association with RM Arts for UK TV channel, Channel 4. It was produced and directed by Jeremy Marre who has a formidable back catalog of music-related documentaries.

About the author [midierror]: midierror makes nifty Max For Live devices, innovative music hardware, award winning sample packs and hosts a podcast speaking to people in the music world.