Derek Bailey

Jeremy Marre examines popular music and entertainment in England through contemporary eyes, observing the many strands, influences and traditions that compose a nation and its music.

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.

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.

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Money (1985) is an historical document of the early days of "language poetry" and the downtown improvised music scene.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!

This DVD "catches free-improv guitar legend Derek Bailey in an intimate concert for about 40 friends and fans on December 29, 2001 ... Bailey is at his best during the 51-minute set, which includes his telling a story about working in a guitar shop in the 1960s (accompanying himself as he does in his much sought-after "chats") and a few moments of traditional playing on the vintage Epiphone hollow-body he bought on Staten Island.

Derek and Karen are at home. They do some work, have lunch, watch television, go for a walk, sometimes play the guitar. A response to Jean-Luc Godard's One Plus One (1968).

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.

Recorded 10 and 11 May 1995 at the Montage Gallery, Derby (10 at a concert; 11 private filming).