Forces in Motion: The Music and Thoughts of Anthony Braxton

Graham Lock is usually pretty successful in prying beneath Braxton's surface. The almost always very abstract discussions that are filled with Braxton's unique musical terminology and his (and sometimes Lock's) personal theoretical stances are surprisingly rewarding. Lock, try as he might, does not bring Braxton down to earth very often, yet even Braxton's elusiveness usually proves revealing. Lock is surprisingly engaging, and Braxton is eager to have his music understood, though he refuses to simplify it in ways that might detract from the breadth of his personal vision. This book might be a treat to music scholars, and takes an effort on the part of an ordinary reader. However, I think the beauty here is that it sheds an enormous amount of light on how the composer and musician shapes his reality and comes to transcend mundane experience through constantly evolving personal expression. These interviews speak as much to the spirit as to the mind. These albums were recorded during the time of the interviews in this book: Quartet (London) 1985 Birmingham 1985 (Coventry) 1985

This is the place from which one should begin their studies of Braxton. Clear, concise, and very readable, it introduces many important concepts that will enable anyone interested in Braxton to develop a greater understanding of his musical universe.