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"A Second Standpoint": Howard Becker talks about music, sociology, and their intersections

Howard Becker, Elizabeth Jackson

Published: 2010-11-22

Howard Becker, in conversation with ICASPs Elizabeth Jackson, discusses ideas in collaborative music, such as leadership and power differentials, and the various roads leading to "ordinary" musicianship and its payoff. Further, Becker provides his thoughts about what makes for good collaboration, as well as the value of the outsider perspective.

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Improvisation is, simply put, being and living this very moment. No one can hide in music, and improvising in music is to be truly in this very moment and being completely yourself, with all your qualities and faults. It is probably the most honest state for a human being to be in.

– John McLaughlin in an interview with Daniel Fischlin.