Today, the Spotlight shines On drummer, composer, and improviser Phil Haynes.

Phil published a unique memoir last November, which includes not only his reflections on a life in and of music but also stands as an important document of nearly 40 years of music in New York City and beyond.

Phil delivers plenty of inside observations of his work with figures like Lee Konitz, Anthony Braxton, Dave Liebman, and Paul Smoker, as well as his own poetry, musical analysis, philosophical musings, and lessons learned along the way.

It’s a charming book, and Phil has created a towering body of musical work. This conversation is classic Spotlight On, with an engaged, sincere guest. Listen to our talk and then get yourself a copy of Chasing the Masters: First Takes of a Modernist Drumming Artist.

(all musical excerpts heard in the interview are taken from Phil Haynes's 62-track retrospective, A Life Improvised - Chasing The Masters)

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Dig Deeper

• Visit Phil Haynes at philhaynes.com, Bandcamp, and Facebook
• Learn more about Phil Haynes' memoir Chasing The Masters at chasingthemasters.com and purchase the book from Amazon
• Herb Robertson
• Paul Smoker
• Lee Konitz on Spontaneity, Originality, Drugs & Playing Sharp
• Ellery Eskelin
• Ellery Eskelin, Paul Smoker, Drew Gress, Phil Haynes - Joint Venture
• 4 Horns and What?
• Brooklyn Academy Finds Room for the Outsiders of Jazz
• Be sure to peruse the rest of this episode's extensive show notes at spotlightonpodcast.com

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