Episode

Phil Haynes: a renowned jazz drummer chases the masters

The 'modernist drumming artist' chats about his experiences in the New York jazz scene, the responsibilities of a sideman, and his enlightening new memoir, Chasing The Masters.

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)

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
• ‘Standards, Vol. 1’: Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette’s Classic Trio
• Lee Konitz on Spontaneity, Originality, Drugs & Playing Sharp
• Ellery Eskelin
• A Guide to Anthony Braxton’s Robust Jazz Discography on Bandcamp
• Ellery Eskelin, Paul Smoker, Drew Gress, Phil Haynes - Joint Venture
• 4 Horns and What?
• Elvin Jones: Suggested Listening
• In the Nightlife Of Houston Street, Some New Kids On the Block
• Zorn in the USA: My Top Three John Zorn Moments
• Magnificent mobiles: the art of Alexander Calder
• Brooklyn Academy Finds Room for the Outsiders of Jazz
• Phil Haynes at Bucknell University

• Did you enjoy this episode? Please share it with a friend! You can also rate Spotlight On ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

• Subscribe! Be the first to check out each new episode of Spotlight On in your podcast app of choice.

• Looking for more? Visit spotlightonpodcast.com for bonus content, web-only interviews + features, and the Spotlight On email newsletter. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Mastodon.