A Guide to the Records at the Indiana University Archives of African
American Music and Culture
The Black Composer Speaks
Collection, 1958-1987, bulk
1970-1977
This collection is open for research, however access to portions of the unedited
audio from the interviews may be restricted. Audiovisual materials may require the
creation of listening and/or viewing copies. Advance notice of your visit is highly
recommended to ensure that requested materials will be ready for use upon your
arrival. Contact the AAAMC staff for more details.
The Black Composer Speaks book was the product of three co-editors
affiliated with the Indiana University Afro-American Arts Institute: David N. Baker,
Lida M. Belt (Baker), and Herman C. Hudson. Indiana University Jacobs School of
Music professor David Baker, an accomplished composer, musician, and pedagogue,
appears to have been instrumental in contacting many of the composers featured in
this book. Lida Belt, who was a graduate student at the time, conducted most of the
interviews that were transcribed in the text. Herman Hudson founded the university’s
Afro-American studies program and played a key role in establishing the
Afro-American Arts Institute.
While many of the composers included in the project transcend genre boundaries, most
are arguably known more for either their contributions to the jazz literature or to
classical music. Interviews with jazz-oriented composers include Herbie Hancock,
Oliver Nelson, George Russell, and Archie Shepp. Interviews with composers better
known for their contributions to classical music include Noel DaCosta, Talib Rasul
Hakim, Ulysses Kay, Undine Smith Moore, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Hale Smith,
George Walker, and Olly Wilson. Baker’s own prolific work has straddled the line
between the two idioms.
This collection consists of 9 boxes of documents and 16 audiotapes pertaining to The
Black Composer Speaks project sponsored by the Indiana University Afro-American Arts
Institute. Based on interviews with fifteen African American composers, the project
culminated in 1978 with the publication of a book by the same title, co-edited by
David N. Baker, Lida M. Belt, and Herman C. Hudson. Included in the collection is
biographical information, notes about composers and surveys of their compositions,
bibliographies, discographies, articles and clippings, concert programs, photographs
and correspondence.
The bulk of the interviews were conducted by Lida M. Belt (now Lida Baker). Several
versions of the interview transcripts are included, ranging from original unedited
transcripts to the final versions for publication. Several additional transcripts
are for interviews conducted by David Baker, the source of which is unknown. There
is fairly comprehensive information on the composers featured in the 1978 edition of
The Black Composer Speaks: T.J. Anderson, David
Baker, Noel Da Costa, Talib Rasul Hakim, Herbie Hancock, Ulysses Kay, Undine Smith
Moore, Oliver Nelson, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, George Russell, Archie Shepp, Hale
Smith, Howard Swanson, George Walker, and Olly Wilson.
This collection also includes information on significant figures not included in the
1978 edition: Valerie Capers, Ornette Coleman, John Coltrane, John Birks “Dizzy”
Gillespie, J.J. Johnson, Quincy Jones, Michael V.W. Jordan, and Portia K. Maultsby.
Some of these composers may have been intended for the second volume which was
proposed in 1986 but not completed. Audio recordings are included for the interviews
conducted by Lida Belt with Baker, Coleman (the material from this interview is not
included in the book), Da Costa, Hakim, Hancock, Kay, Perkinson, Russell, Shepp,
Smith, Walker, and Wilson. Some of the correspondence pertains to topics beyond the
scope of The Black Composer Speaks project. Correspondence between Indiana
University and Undine Smith Moore provide details on her visits to campus, receipt
of an honorary degree, a video documentary, and commission of a new work.
Correspondence with Dominique-Rene de Lerma outlines Indiana University’s efforts to
establish a Black Music Center, a Black Music Collection (currently part of the
William & Gayle Cook Music Library in the Jacobs School of Music), and a
“Weekends with Black Music” concert series. Also included is information about
Midwest regional meetings pertaining to the selection of artist for the Second
Festival of Black Art and Culture held in Lagos, Nigeria, and information on former
IU Soul Revue member and Broadway singer Mary Denise Bentley which was likely added
to this collection at a later date but does not seem relevant to the project.
The Black Composers Encyclopedia Project Collection contains information about many
Black composers. The information in the Black Composers Encyclopedia Project
Collection was compiled by the African American Arts Institute in anticipation of a
published encyclopedia of Black composers.
Edited interview transcripts and lists of compositions published in: Baker, David,
Lida Belt Baker, and Herman C Hudson.
The Black Composer Speaks.
Metuchen, N.J.: Scarecrow Press, 1978 (ML390 .B64 1978).
Series:
1. Research Materials, 1958-1987.
Research materials include clippings, discographies, correspondence,
photographs, programs, promotional materials, publications, research
notes, transcripts, works lists, and surveys.
Box 1
Folder 1
Anderson, T.J. Articles (photocopies), 1970-1982.
Box 1
Folder 2
Anderson, T.J. Articles (quotes from), undated.
Box 1
Folder 3
Anderson, T.J. Biographical Information, 1970-1986.
Box 1
Folder 4
Anderson, T.J. Black Composer Speaks Chapter Draft, 1977?.
Box 1
Folder 5
Anderson, T.J. Clippings, 1968-1970.
Box 1
Folder 6
Anderson, T.J. Compositions (works list), 1977?.
Box 1
Folder 7
Anderson, T.J. Correspondence, 1975-1977.
Box 1
Folder 8
Anderson, T.J. Photograph, 1970s.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 8
x 10 in.
Box 1
Folder 9
Anderson, T.J. Programs, 1968-1971.
Box 1
Folder 10
Anderson, T.J. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks Interview,
undated.
Box 1
Folder 11
Anderson, T.J. Works Survey, 1970s.
Box 1
Folder 12
Baker, David. Articles (photocopies), 1965-1977.
Box 1
Folder 13
Baker, David. Articles (quotes from), undated.
Box 1
Folder 14
Baker, David. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 1
Folder 15
Baker, David. Biographical Information (includes previous
interviews),
1969-1974.
Box 1
Folder 16
Baker, David. Clippings,
1968-1975.
Box 1
Folder 17
Baker, David. Compositions (works list), 1977?.
Box 1
Folder 18
Baker, David. Compositions (part 2),
1977?.
Box 2
Folder 1
Baker, David. Compositions (part 3),
1977?.
Box 2
Folder 2
Baker, David. Correspondence,
1967-1972.
Box 2
Folder 3
Baker, David. Publicity,
undated.
Box 2
Folder 4
Baker, David. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 2
Folder 5
Baker, David. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 2
Folder 6
Bentley, Mary Denise. Biographical Information (former IU Soul
Revue vocalist), 1984.
Box 2
Folder 7
Bentley, Mary Denise. Programs,
1984.
Box 2
Folder 8
Capers, Valerie. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
1977?.
Box 2
Folder 9
Coleman, Ornette. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 2
Folder 10
Coleman, Ornette. Correspondence,
1975.
Box 2
Folder 11
Coleman, Ornette. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
1977?.
Box 2
Folder 12
Coleman, Ornette. Works Survey,
1977?.
Box 2
Folder 13
Coltrane, John. Biographical Information, 1960s-1970s.
Box 2
Folder 14
Coltrane, John. Works Survey,
1977?.
Box 3
Folder 1
Da Costa, Noel. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 3
Folder 2
Da Costa, Noel. Compositions (works list), 1977?.
Box 3
Folder 3
Da Costa, Noel. Correspondence,
1974-1976.
Box 3
Folder 4
Da Costa, Noel. Programs,
undated.
Box 3
Folder 5
Da Costa, Noel. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 3
Folder 6
Da Costa, Noel. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 3
Folder 7
Gillespie, John Birks ("Dizzy"). Biographical
Information
undated.
Box 3
Folder 8
Gillespie, John Birks ("Dizzy"). Correspondence, 1987.
Box 3
Folder 9
Gillespie, John Birks ("Dizzy"). Works Survey, undated.
Box 3
Folder 10
Gordon, Michael V.W. Biographical Information and
Photograph,
undated.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 8
x 10 in.
Box 3
Folder 11
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 3
Folder 12
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 3
Folder 13
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Correspondence,
1971-1986.
Box 3
Folder 14
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Transcripts (David Baker interview with Steve
Chambers?),
1969?.
Box 3
Folder 15
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview, June 4,
1975.
Box 3
Folder 16
Hakim, Talib Rasul. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 3
Folder 17
Hancock, Herbie. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 3
Folder 18
Hancock, Herbie. Clippings,
1970s-1980s.
Box 4
Folder 1
Hancock, Herbie. Compositions (works list with
discography),
undated.
Box 4
Folder 2
Hancock, Herbie. Compositions (part 2), undated.
Box 4
Folder 3
Hancock, Herbie. Correspondence,
1975-1976.
Box 4
Folder 4
Hancock, Herbie. Photographs,
approximately 1975.
Physical Description
2
photographs : b&w ;
8 x 10 in.
Herbie Hancock and Herbie Hancock Group
Box 4
Folder 5
Hancock, Herbie. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 4
Folder 6
Hancock, Herbie. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 4
Folder 7
Johnson, J. J. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 4
Folder 8
Johnson, J. J. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 4
Folder 9
Johnson, J. J. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 4
Folder 10
Jones, Quincy. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 4
Folder 11
Jones, Quincy. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 4
Folder 12
Jones, Quincy. Correspondence,
1987.
Box 4
Folder 13
Jones, Quincy. Photographs (3 clippings from magazines), undated.
Box 4
Folder 14
Jones, Quincy. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 4
Folder 15
Jones, Quincy. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 5
Folder 1
Kay, Ulysses. Biographical Information, undated.
Box 5
Folder 2
Kay, Ulysses. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 5
Folder 3
Kay, Ulysses. Correspondence,
1970-1976.
Box 5
Folder 4
Kay, Ulysses. Photograph,
1970s.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 8
x 10 in.
Box 5
Folder 5
Kay, Ulysses. Programs,
1970-1972.
Box 5
Folder 6
Kay, Ulysses. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 5
Folder 7
Kay, Ulysses. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 5
Folder 8
Maultsby, Portia K. Biographical Information, 1970-1976.
Box 5
Folder 9
Moore, Dorothy Rudd. Biographical Information and Works
Survey, undated.
Box 5
Folder 10
Moore, Undine Smith. Biographical Information, 1970s.
Box 5
Folder 11
Moore, Undine Smith. Biographical Information (part 2, manuscript
notes), undated.
Box 5
Folder 12
Moore, Undine Smith. Biographical Information (part 3, manuscript
notes), undated.
Box 5
Folder 13
Moore, Undine Smith. Clippings and Articles, 1970-1983.
Box 5
Folder 14
Moore, Undine Smith. Compositions (works list), 1970-1979.
Box 5
Folder 15
Moore, Undine Smith. Correspondence,
1969-1975.
Box 5
Folder 16
Moore, Undine Smith. Correspondence,
1976-1978.
Box 5
Folder 17
Moore, Undine Smith. Correspondence,
1979-1987.
Box 6
Folder 1
Moore, Undine Smith. Interviews with Lillian Dunlap and Michael
Gordon (transcript),
1979?.
Box 6
Folder 2
Moore, Undine Smith. Indiana University Visits, 1973 and 1979.
Box 6
Folder 3
Moore, Undine Smith. Indiana University Speech
Transcript, February 2,
1975.
Box 6
Folder 4
Moore, Undine Smith. Indiana University Video Documentary
Licensing,
1978-1979.
Box 6
Folder 5
Moore, Undine Smith. Photograph,
1979?.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 5
x 7 in.
Photograph of Moore and David Baker.
Box 6
Folder 6
Moore, Undine Smith. Programs,
1972-1979.
Box 6
Folder 7
Moore, Undine Smith. Song Texts,
undated.
Box 6
Folder 8
Moore, Undine Smith. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 6
Folder 9
Moore, Undine Smith. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 6
Folder 10
Nelson, Oliver. Biographical Information and Clippings, 1968-1970.
Box 6
Folder 11
Nelson, Oliver. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 6
Folder 12
Nelson, Oliver. Correspondence,
1975-1976.
Box 6
Folder 13
Nelson, Oliver. Photograph,
1975?.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 8
x 10 in.
Box 6
Folder 14
Nelson, Oliver. Transcript of Interview with David N.
Baker, undated.
Box 6
Folder 15
Nelson, Oliver. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 6
Folder 16
Nelson, Oliver. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 7
Folder 1
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Biographical Information, 1970s.
Box 7
Folder 2
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 7
Folder 3
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Correspondence, 1974-1976.
Box 7
Folder 4
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Transcript (original), undated.
Box 7
Folder 5
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Transcripts (edited), undated.
Box 7
Folder 6
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor. Works Survey, undated.
Box 7
Folder 7
Russell, George. Biographical Information, 1958-1975.
Box 7
Folder 8
Russell, George. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 7
Folder 9
Russell, George. Correspondence,
1974-1986.
Box 7
Folder 10
Russell, George. Photographs,
1986.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 8
x 10 in.
1 photocopy image :
b&w ; 2 x 3 in.
Box 7
Folder 11
Russell, George. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 7
Folder 12
Russell, George. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 7
Folder 13
Shepp, Archie. Biogaphical Information, 1960-1977.
Box 7
Folder 14
Shepp, Archie. Compositions (works list with
discography),
undated.
Box 7
Folder 15
Shepp, Archie. Correspondence,
1975-1976.
Box 7
Folder 16
Shepp, Archie. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 7
Folder 17
Shepp, Archie. Transcript of Interview with David Baker, undated.
Box 7
Folder 18
Shepp, Archie. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 1
Smith, Hale. Biographical Information, 1976-1985.
Box 8
Folder 2
Smith, Hale. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 8
Folder 3
Smith, Hale. Correspondence,
1975-1976.
Box 8
Folder 4
Smith, Hale. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 5
Swanson, Howard. Biographical Information, 1976-1982.
Box 8
Folder 6
Swanson, Howard. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 8
Folder 7
Swanson, Howard. Correspondence,
1976.
Box 8
Folder 8
Swanson, Howard. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 9
Walker, George. Biographical Information, 1968-1985.
Box 8
Folder 10
Walker, George. Compositions (works list), 1975-1976.
Box 8
Folder 11
Walker, George. Correspondence,
1969-1986.
Box 8
Folder 12
Walker, George. Photographs,
undated.
3 photographs :
b&w ; 8 x 10 in. (2), 3.5 x 5
in.
Box 8
Folder 13
Walker, George. Transcripts,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 14
Walker, George. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 15
Wilson, Olly. Biographical Information, 1971-1986.
Box 8
Folder 16
Wilson, Olly. Compositions (works list), undated.
Box 8
Folder 17
Wilson, Olly. Correspondence,
1969-1986.
Box 8
Folder 18
Wilson, Olly. Photograph,
undated.
Physical Description
1
photograph : b&w ; 5
x 7 in.
Box 8
Folder 19
Wilson, Olly. Program,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 20
Wilson, Olly. Transcript of Black Composer Speaks
Interview,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 21
Wilson, Olly. Transcript of Interview with David Baker, undated.
Box 8
Folder 22
Wilson, Olly. Works Survey,
undated.
Box 8
Folder 23
Second Festival of Black Art and Culture Regional
Meeting,
1973-1975.
Box 8
Folder 24
Black Music Center Correspondence with Dominique-Rene de
Lerma,
1970-1971.
Box 9
Folder 1
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Front Matter -
Anderson, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 2
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Baker -
Coleman, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 3
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Da Costa, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 4
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Hakim-Hancock, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 5
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Kay-Moore, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 6
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy,
Nelson-Perkinson,
1977.
Box 9
Folder 7
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Russell-Shepp, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 8
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Smith-Swanson, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 9
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Walker, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 10
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Wilson, 1977.
Box 9
Folder 11
Black Composer Speaks Working Desk Copy, Bound Draft, 1977.
Series:
2. Audiovisual Materials, 1975
2 audiocassettes : analog + 14 audiotape reels.
Content:
The audiovisual materials series contains recorded interviews between Lida
Belt, David Baker, and the composers featured in
The
Black Composer Speaks.
Noteable differences between the audio
content and book text are noted under each recording's entry below.
The interviews were originally recorded on open reel audiotapes. Backup
copies of all of the interviews were made on audiocassettes. All but two of
the open reel tapes are extant. Only the audiocassette copy for the other
two interviews are known to exist. All of the extant open reel tapes and the
two audiocassettes have been digitally preserved.
Researchers may contact the AAAMC staff to request online access to the
digital copies of the interview recordings.
Baker, David, 1975-08-06.
Shelf No.
CASS 2480
Physical Description
1 audiocassette
(50:53) : analog
Content:
This tape includes a discussion of personal and philosophical influences,
compositional influences, and key influences on Baker’s musical style,
following the format of the questions outlined in
The Black Composer Speaks.
The book text aligns very closely with the audio on these tapes. Most of
the edits are done for narrative cohesion and clarity—the only two
significant additions are below.
Additions to the text not in recording:
Page 17: Added composition
teachers at Indiana University.
Page 26: from “(2) a piece for solo
contrabass…” until question 8.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Coleman, Ornette, part 1, 1975.
Shelf No.
OR 96
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:05:52) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
None of the material from this telephone interview is included in
The Black Composer Speaks. While Belt
follows the question and answer format found in other chapters of this
book, Coleman often digresses from the topics at hand in his answers. He
talks about Eurocentric societal structures and questions the
definitions of terms that Belt uses, such as ‘black composer’ at
length.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
DaCosta, Noel, 1975-06-02.
Shelf No.
OR 97
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:46:03) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
This tape includes discussions about Da Costa’s personal and
philosophical influences, compositions, and his compositional style.
This telephone interview follows the question and answer format printed
in
The Black Composer Speaks very
closely, with much of the transciption edited for content and clarity.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 11:56-14:10, discussion of early jazz and its
relationships to field hollers, omitted from the transcription on page
73.
Between 16:34-17:36, some truncation of discussion of
music in the West Indies on page 73.
Between 19:30-20:55, some
elaboration on the discussion of performance practice and the importance
of individual musicians interpreting Da Costa’s compositions, omitted
from page 73.
Between 40:11-43:20, some further discussion of
the role of the Society of Black Composers that is not included in the
transcription on page 75.
Between 1:38:33-1:39:45, some
extended discussion of Da Costa’s search for his true compositional
voice not included in the transcription on page 83.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Hakim, Rasul, Talib, 1975-06-04.
Shelf No.
OR 98
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:04:54) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this recording, Belt and Hakim follow the interview format outlined in
The Black Composer Speaks. The
transcription included in the book represents the vast majority of the
interview discussion, with edits primarily being made for clarity of
language, grammar, and the addition of footnotes.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 32:54-34:34, some discussion of spiritual
influences not included in the transcription on page 98.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Hancock, Herbie, interview with David Baker and Lida Belt,
1975-04-05.
Shelf No.
CASS 2481
Physical Description
1 audiocassette
(36:48) : analog
Content:
This recording does not follow the interview format in
The Black Composer Speaks. Rather, this is a
discussion of many of the preliminary details included at the beginning
of the chapter on Herbie Hancock. Includes information about Hancock’s
early life and career, his honors and awards, and his major
compositions. None of this interview is transcribed in
The Black Composer Speaks. However, much of
this information is presented in Chapter V before the transcribed
interview as contextual information.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Hancock, Herbie, part 1, 1975-07-22.
Shelf No.
OR 99
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(2:20:56) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
This recording of a telephone interview includes the general questions in
The Black Composer Speaks, with
Hancock often digressing (sometimes at great length) from the topic at
hand in order to further expand his personal influences and relate
stories of key moments in his personal and musical development.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Direction A:
Between 30:30-32:03, more detailed
discussion of the Buster Williams story included in the transcription on
110-111
Between 36:00-38:09, digression to discussion of
recent dental work that Hancock had completed, after an interruption to
schedule a dental appointment, not included in transcription on
111.
Between 46:37-51:37, digression into some of the specific
things that Hancock has experienced through chanting not included in the
transcription on 112.
Between 1:42:35-1:47:20, digression into
a discussion of early jazz and return to chanting practices, not
included in the transcription on page 116.
Between
1:53:40-1:57:18, digression to Hancock’s new bass player and Cannonball
Adderley’s health.
Direction B:
Between 0:00-9:27, some
digression while talking about what Hancock considers his most
significant achievement.
Between 17:30-23:31, details of the
wrap-up and arrangements to call Hancock back at an alternate time are
not recorded in the transcription in the book.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Hancock, Herbie, part 2, 1975-08-31.
Shelf No.
OR 100
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:40:11) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
This recording of a telephone interview includes extensive discussion of
the musical questions included in the book. Hancock and Belt digress
several times throughout the course of this recording, discussing a
number of specific musical instances of the questions that they address,
as well as discussing the meditative practices that Hancock utilizes.
Beginning around timecode 51:39 there is some digression from the
transcription included in the book when discussing specific examples of
musical elements, including discussion of the visual elements of
Hancock’s live performances, which is not included in the book.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 25:50-40:22, digression to discussing Hancock’s
sleep patterns and chanting.
Between 51:39-1:13:51, there is
some digression from the transcription included in the book when
discussing specific examples of musical elements, including discussion
of the visual elements of Hancock’s live performances, which is not
included in the book.
Reference Copies
Please contact AAAMC staff to request online access to this audio
recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Kay, Ulysses, 1975-05-29.
Shelf No.
OR 101
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(45:44) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this telephone interview, Lida Belt and Ulysses Kay complete the
interview questions transcribed in
The Black
Composer Speaks.
Most of this interview closely matches the
transcription in the book, with only a few brief digressions from the
topics at hand on the recording.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 20:56-23:12, extended discussion of klangfarben
melodie, and other examples of pieces in which Kay has used this
technique, not included in transcription.
Between 27:39-29:02,
some digression to talk about the details of the project and the editing
process.
Between 30:52-32:10, digression to a discussion of
Kay’s honorary doctorate degree.
Between 38:01-45:38,
discussion of works to date, Kay asks about David Baker’s whereabouts
and whether it is possible to obtain some information about recent
reviews. None of this is included in the transcription in the book.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Nelson, Oliver, 1975-05-26.
Shelf No.
OR 102
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(2:11:42) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
Lida Belt and Oliver Nelson discuss the interview questions presented in
The Black Composer Speaks at great
length. Nelson often digresses and elaborates even further in his
answers than the transcriptions in the text indicate, often offering
personal anecdotes and specific instances to illustrate his answers.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Direction A:
Between 6:23-11:07, further
elaboration on question one not included on page 205. This mostly deals
with several ways Nelson’s key influences related to each
other.
Between 12:16-17:26, further discussion of what Nelson
considers to be black music, including examples from his personal
experiences.
Between 20:00-24:54, further elaboration on black
music; Nelson adds critiques of commercial music, particularly of the
production process at Motown.
Between 41:04-43:15, digression
to Belt’s flute playing, discuss her model of flute.
Between
54:45-1:01:31, digression into the social pressures that black students
may face in the university; discussion of African culture and politics
that is not included in the transcription.
Between
1:38:20-1:43:18, elaboration on the role of teaching in Nelson’s work,
particularly dealing with issues of notation, not included in
transcription.
Between 1:47:34-1:52:55, elaboration on
compositional style, not included in transcription.
Between
2:02:00-2:03:53, Belt and Nelson digress to discuss St. Louis, their
mutual hometown.
Direction B:
Between 3:45-7:38,
wrap up and final discussion not included in interview transcription.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor, part 1, 1975.
Shelf No.
OR 103
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(3:59:10) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this telephone, Belt and Perkinson go through the interview format in
The Black Composer Speaks. The
interview matches the transcription included in the book fairly well,
with occasional departures used to illustrate some of Perkinson’s key
points.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Direction A:
Between 19:08-29:10, digression
to discussing Perkinson’s early life, not included in
transcription.
Between 35:08-39:27, some extended discussion
of Perkinson’s teachers while in high school not included in
transcription on page 242.
Between 1:01:14-1:23:39, digression
to discussion of the interview process, some further discussion of
Perkinson’s childhood and other musical influences, most of which is not
included in the transcription on page 244.
Between
1:26:32-1:29:04, illustrative discussion of Perkinson’s points about
black music, not included in transcription on page 244.
Between 1:43:30-2:01:22, illustrative examples not included in the
transcription on page 246.
Direction B:
Between
0:00-8:48, resume illustrative examples not included in the
transcription on page 246, focusing on serial composition.
Between 33:08-37:28, further illustrative examples of difficulties
obtaining satisfactory performances not included in the transcription on
page 251; discussion of recent events and Perkinson’s upcoming trip to
Bloomington.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Perkinson, Coleridge-Taylor, part 2, 1975.
Shelf No.
OR 104
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(27:07) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
This is the final portion of Belt’s interview with Perkinson. This tape
includes the final sections of the musical questions and the wrap-up of
the interview. Most of this recording matches the transcription found in
The Black Composer Speaks.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 21:36-24:29, further elaboration on music that
Perkinson listens to for personal enjoyment not included on page 268.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Russell, George, 1975-08-22.
Shelf No.
OR 105
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(15:14) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
This brief telephone interview contains all the material included in
Russell’s chapter in
The Black Composer
Speaks.
There are few deviations from the transcription
included in the text. The paragraph beginning “At the roots of this
ignoble state of affairs…” on page 280 is not present on the
recording.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Shepp, Archie, 1975-06-09.
Shelf No.
OR 106
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(2:27:27) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this telephone interview, Lida Belt and Archie Shepp go through the
interview format presented in
The Black Composer
Speaks.
Shepp often digresses and elaborates on his specific
points, and there is quite a bit of material in this recording that is
not included in the book.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Direction A:
Between 10:27-14:37, digression
to discussing George Russell, classes that Shepp is teaching, and the
blues idiom, which are not included in transcription on page
293.
Between 33:51-35:19, digression to some general
information about the interview process, including the editing process
for the transcription that will be included in the book.
Between 41:37-49:06, Shepp answers the door—there is a break in the
conversation. Shepp needs to leave, and they continue the conversation
later.
Between 1:03:07-1:09:09, some elaboration on the
educational system not included in the transcription.
Between
1:12:32-1:16:39, digression into Yoruba literature and Voudoo as well as
the current projects that Shepp is working on, not included in the
transcription on page 298.
Between 1:17:53-1:22:47, further
elaboration on some of Shepp’s earliest musical experiences and
compositional procedures, with Shepp singing two songs as examples, not
included in transcription on page 299.
Between
1:23:57-1:29:48, further elaboration on commissioned works, not included
in transcription on page 299.
Between 1:33:19-1:54:40, some
discussion of and elaboration upon specific musical elements, including
extensive citations of specific artists and groups that inform Shepp’s
musical approaches not included in the transcription on page
299.
Direction B:
Between 11:30-16:58, digression to
various other topics, including mutual acquaintances and Shepp
requesting discographies from Belt.
Between 16:58-19:54,
return to the discussion of musical elements—this part of the
conversation is included on 299-300.
Between 19:54-30:45,
further elaboration on Shepp’s social points, discography, royalties,
and tenure; not included in the transcription in the book.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Smith, Hale, 1975-05-28.
Shelf No.
OR 107
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:23:57) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this telephone interview, Lida Belt and Hale Smith go through the
interview format in
The Black Composer
Speaks.
There is some elaboration on a few of the issues
raised in this discussion, but the recorded interview closely matches
the transcription included in the book.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 16:23-17:49, Smith returns to previous
discussions to cross-reference his responses to places where similar
answers have previously been published.
Between 33:58-35:50,
digression to the process of booking guests for “The Black Experience in
the Arts” course not included on page 320.
Between
41:01-44:24, further elaboration upon the specific review that Smith
references and general discussion of the interview process, not recorded
in the transcription on page 321.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Walker, George, 1975-07-07.
Shelf No.
OR 108
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(3:17:10) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In these telephone interviews, Belt and Walker go through the interview
format in
The Black Composer Speaks. Most
of the transcription in the book reflects what is present on these
recordings, with the exception of some extended discussion of the
process of compiling and publishing the book at the end of Direction B.
However, Belt and Walker have numerous problems maintain a telephone
connection throughout the course of this interview, and the conversation
often takes place in fits and starts.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Belt and Walker experience several bad telephone
connections and feedback on the line throughout the course of this
interview, with breaks throughout to redial.
Between
25:25-43:08, further elaboration on influential composers, punctuated by
several phone disconnections. Belt figures out how to use phones in a
different office to avoid the connection problems they’ve been having.
Not included in transcription. Some of this material is used in the
transcription on 369-370, but most of it is not.
Beginning at
51:51, further elaboration on the music Walker listens to for enjoyment;
general discussion of the interview and editing process. Walker’s
remarks about the Macdowell Colony fellowship on page 358 are included
in this portion of the taped interview.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
Wilson, Olly, 1975-06-11/1975-06-12.
Shelf No.
OR 109
Physical Description
1 audiotape reel
(1:48:23) : analog, 1 7/8 ips ; 7 in.
Content:
In this telephone interview, Lida Belt and Olly Wilson go through the
interview format in
The Black Composer
Speaks.
The transcription in the book is very close to the
content in the recording, with some biographical information and further
elaboration on specific details being omitted from the text.
Audio recording content left out of the book text is noted
below:
Between 9:54-19:50, biographical information used for
the basis of the sketch in the chapter, but not included verbatim in the
transcription.
Between 1:17:53-1:24:00, further elaboration on
works currently in progress and prior related works, not included in the
transcription on page 392.
Between 1:42:48-1:48:24, additional
information on Wilson’s work, not included in the
transcription.
Reference Copies
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recording.
- Preservation master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
- Production master file(s): 24 bit/96 kHz Broadcast Wave File
(BWF)
