Description: John Corbett has written a tiny pocket guide to aid novices and devotees alike in listening to and understanding free, improvised music. The term improvised music can mean many things: but in this book the focus is on experimental music that does not have a structured song or tune, and that operates mainly in the vein of jazz or a jazz hybrid (blues, etc.). There are elegant discussions of music fundamentals (rhythm, duration, interaction dynamics, transitions, personal vocabulary), advanced techniques for listening and watching in live concerts, excellent analysis grounded in anecdote about the role of the audience, ambiguity, as well as historical anecdotes and thoughts on what it means to be a listener and what role music might have in our lives. The tone is light, with a serious undertone. "
Brief description: John Corbett is the author of several books, including A Listener's Guide to Free Improvisation, Vinyl Freak: Love Letters to a Dying Medium, and Microgroove: Forays into Other Music. He is co-owner of Corbett vs. Dempsey, an art gallery in Chicago.
Review Quotes: "It's hard enough to put music into words, but even harder when it's created without preconceived plans. Kudos then to John Corbett for his insight into how one can gain deeper understanding of and appreciation for such music."--Tom Greenland "New York City Jazz Record"