Earlier this week I watched a really well researched documentary about improvisation in music.  It was written and presented by Derek Bailey and broadcast on Channel 4 in 1992.  You can watch it now on UBUweb.

I felt it warranted a post on this here esteemed online publication because there were so many sections that prompted debate.  In section III Bailey is doing a talking head bit alongside a short excerpt of his playing.  At about 36’ he talks about improvised music being far removed from regular rhythm/harmony/melody - i.e. conventionally structured - music.  I think this is really interesting mainly because there are so many similarities between the two. 

Elements of improvisation can be found in nearly all music on the planet.  Even the most insipid, derivative pop - although rigidly structured and rehearsed in its production and performance - will usually have elements of improvisation in its conception. 

The short clip of Bailey playing guitar is also fascinating.  Although I sometimes find that music difficult to listen to, I imagine his playing like that of an alien who is learning to play the guitar but has no knowledge of previous music made using it - like someone who has the instrument but is having to imagine how it is supposed to sound.  Seeing this clip also reminds me of why I’ve always been more interested in playing bass rather than the challenge of playing guitar.  The guitar has so much baggage due to it’s habitual use in pop, rock, jazz and other areas of music which tends to give it a somewhat fixed aesthetic, narrowing the scope of what can be imagined as possible. 

Nevertheless there are lots of exciting bands and individuals making original music, which challenge this ‘nothing original can be made with a guitar’ thought, making it much more compelling…