The Future of Jazz - Bennie Maupin

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2008/11/12/Ben_Ratliff_in_Conversation_with_Bennie_Maupin

Jazz musician and composer Bennie Maupin discusses how emerging technologies may help usher in a new era of innovative jazz music.

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n his new book, New York Times music critic Ben Ratliff listens to music with jazz greats, drawing them out about what they're listening for and why.

Here he talks with an exceptional musician not in the book: L.A. -based saxophonist Maupin, famous for his role in Miles Davis' Bitches Brew and for his own critically acclaimed albums - Los Angeles Public Library

Bennie Maupin is best known for his atmospheric bass clarinet playing on Miles Davis classic "Bitches Brew" album, as well as other Miles Davis recordings such as, "Big Fun," "Jack Johnson," and "On the Corner." He was a founding member of Herbie Hancock's seminal band The Headhunters, as well as a performer and composer in Hancock's influential Mwandishi band. Born in 1940, Maupin started playing clarinet, later adding saxophone, flute and, most notably, the bass clarinet to his arsenal of woodwind instruments. He has freelanced with groups led by Marion Brown, Pharoah Saunders, and Chick Corea, and played regularly with Roy Haynes and Horace Silver. He also recorded with McCoy Tyner, Lee Morgan, Freddie Hubbard, Jack DeJohnette, Andrew Hill, Eddie Henderson, and Woody Shaw to name only a few. Maupin's own discography as a leader includes The Jewel in The Lotus (1974), Slow Traffic to the Right(1976), Moonscapes(1978), and Driving While Black. (1998). His current group, The Bennie Maupin Ensemble, harkens back to the tradition of great saxophone-bass-drum trios, such as the group led by Sonny Rollins with Wilbur Ware and Elvin Jones. He maintains active performing and teaching careers in Europe, and the US. Bennie Maupin currently resides in the Los Angeles area.

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[cnkinnick]

Beautiful! This is the first time I've seen an interview with Bennie - his wisdom comes to no surprise, his musicianship being testament to that. I rarely pick my my instruments anymore - much of it stemming from raising a family and focusing on other endeavors. But, the other factor in mothballing music has been the relationships I've formed and tried (in vain) to maintain with musicians who are very strong academically, but lack the "third eye." UNLEARNING - well said!

[marvinkmooneyoz]

Too many musicians, especially young musicians dont listen well in a music making context, atleast not to what NEW is happening in the music. Sure, alot of musicians can balance tempo/volume mix, but not too many can group improv. that takes a bit of unlearning to do; its relatively easy to be a soloist, and the group follows, or to be the group follower, but, like miles davis groups, group improv, even with soloists, is more interesting and mature. hope everyone learns to listen better!

[heru1966]

More musicians need to see this video! It's applicable to so many other musical forms too. It takes bravery and depth to go in this direction because in many ways, it involves throwing away the script and starting from scratch. That's probably much harder if you've established a certain way of playing and thinking about music.

[bransonbelle]

Are you still chanting Nam YO ki rengi kyo? Good to see you emwillie (sp?) You onced live in Altadena.

[heru1966]

He certainly does know. Bennie is keenly in touch with what it's all about, you can hear it in his playing and writing. Thanks for uploading this inspiring video. :-)

[Zeitgeist74]

Listen to him. The brother knows!

[adamtabl]

yeah bennie

clear and right on it

as

always

[mymusicdiscovery]

Yup!

[artformeandyou]

great topic. brings up the old question of what/when/how is art.

[vibrateascending]

this is great... he is not joking about unlearning music in order to reach another plain with it. went to a school today to find accmpanimnt for upcoming performance and felt the nostalgia of when i was in music school still. but some how in the back of my mind, i knew i wasn't supposed to b, cause i am exploring more in music than i ever would've understood how to if i were still under the often 'confined' way n which programs approach sound. u're forced to be as inventive as u can b.. gr8 vid.