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Derek BaileyEnglish avant-garde musician, guitarist and improviser
Date of Birth: 29.01.1930
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Derek Bailey
Early Life and Musical BeginningsDerek Bailey, a talented English avant-garde musician and improvisational guitarist, was born on January 29, 1930, in Sheffield, England. Coming from a family of musicians, Derek developed a passion for music at a young age. By the time he turned ten, he was already proficient in playing the guitar, thanks to the guidance of experienced teachers, including renowned composer John Duarte.
Career and Collaborations
As a young adult, Derek found employment at a club where he played the guitar for his own enjoyment and earned a decent income. He later went on to perform on radio and television, collaborating with notable individuals such as British singer Grace Fields, Bob Monkhouse, and Katie Kirby. In 1963, Derek Bailey, along with Tony Oxley and Gavin Bryars, became part of the popular jazz trio Joseph Holbrooke, known for their exceptional performances.
In 1966, Derek moved to London, where he developed relationships with many prominent musicians, including saxophonist Evan Parker, trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, and bassist Dave Holland. A few years later, Bailey, together with Parker, percussionist Jamie Muir, and Hugh Davies, founded the Music Improvisation Company, which had successful performances until 1971. In 1970, Derek Bailey, Tony Oxley, Evan Parker, and Michael Walters established the record label Incus, which soon became one of the leading companies in the United Kingdom. Despite some tensions that arose among the co-founders, Bailey remained with Incus until his last day.
Contributions and Legacy
In 1975, Derek Bailey became a co-founder of the magazine Musics, which quickly gained recognition as one of the most significant jazz publications of the late seventies. In 1980, he authored the popular book "Improvisation: Its Nature and Practice," which later served as the foundation for a British television series in the early nineties. Bailey passed away in 2005 during Christmas in London. His work continues to be highly regarded, with his music considered a true classic of improvisation, and each note he played on his instrument is considered a masterpiece.
