Derek Bailey

British series stressing the role of, and showing different kinds of, improvisation in music. Produced for UK's Channel Four. Written and narrated by Derek Bailey.

Barcelona Chronicles N°02. Derek Bailey (solo electric guitar). A solo concert filmed in July 2004 on a hot summer afternoon on a rooftop of a private apartment somewhere in the narrow streets of the Ribera district.

Cecil Taylor was the grand master of free jazz piano. "All the Notes" captures in breezy fashion the unconventional stance of this media-shy modern musical genius, regarded as one of the true giants of post-war music. Seated at his beloved and battered piano in his Brooklyn brownstone the maestro holds court with frequent stentorian pronouncements on life, art and music.

A collaborative improvisational guitar and dance set featuring backing from crickets and cicadas.

Money (1985) is an historical document of the early days of "language poetry" and the downtown improvised music scene. A manic collage film from the mid-80s when it still seemed that Reaganism of the soul could be defeated. Filmed primarily on the streets of Manhattan for the ambient sounds and movements and occasional pedestrian interaction to create a rich tapestry of swirling colors and juxtaposed architectural spaces in deep focus and present the intense urban overflowing energy that is experience living here. Money is thematically centered around a discussion of economic problems facing avant-garde artists. Discussion, however, is fragmented into words and phrases and reassembled into writing. Musical and movement phrases are woven through this conversation to create an almost operatic composition. Give me money!

Chasing Rainbows - A Nation and Its Music