Derek Bailey's "Improvisation"

[valo]

I've been reading Bailey's exploration of improvisation recently and he takes a really refreshing attitude towards how to talk about it.

He also puts improvisation in a broad historical context, and gives jazz its due for bringing vibrant improvisation back into the Western musical lexicon.

Have others read it, and if so, what did you think as musicians?

[jazzypaul]

you know where I can find it?

[omar zamora]

I've been meaning to read it for a while. Everyone I know who has read it recommends it heartily. Apparently, it's very accessible even for non-musicians like myself, but equally useful for improvisors.

Some folks at amazon.com thought it was a how-to book on improvisation (which it's not), so were disappointed. Based on their comments, I have a feeling they didn't know who Derek Bailey was. So, I guess it depends on what you're looking for.

[valo]

The aforementioned Amazon would bea good place. I guess they also have a special deal where you can get it and the Zorn-edited "Arcana: Musicians on Music", which includes writings by Zorn, Ribot, Patton (those are three of teh stranger ones), George Lewis and many others-it's worth picking up.

I wouldn't be suprised if the Jazz Record Mart carried it,either.

I also saw those disappointed that they didn't find a "how-to" book. You're right, Omar-They definitely don't know Bailey.