Milford Graves was a pioneering free jazz drummer, and was very influential in the use of the drums as an instrument rather than just a backing rhythm, as Graves utilised the full capabilities of all of the drums on a drum kit, and did not stick to conventional meters & rhythms, rather he chose to use all his arms and legs to their full potential all playing differing rhythms that crossed over and created interesting polyrhythms between them. His unique playing and open minded improvisation style has allowed him to play with musicians from all over the world and be able to communicate with them musically regardless of training in their specific styles or genres.
Graves’ way of thinking about music and life has been very impactful on me, especially after I watched the movie about him (‘Full Mantis’), which was very insightful into his philosophies on music and life. His mental lack of restraints and limitations when it comes to music and the possibilities was very inspiring for me, and for this project especially I really want it to explore the sonic landscape with complete freedom in the same way that Graves does with his drumming how sometimes it is soft and delicate sometimes hard and fast, but always free and always with a lot of expression in all his playing.
The book ‘A Mind-Body Deal’ was also very insightful as it recounts various moments in Graves’ life and also talks about his practices as a herbal healer and his individual research in biology, botany & other sciences as well as his musical practice, and this was also very interesting how he just has ideas about things he wants to do or know and does his own research through reading and practice to gain knowledge in a variety of areas. This is how I want to approach my learning by identifying my interests and practicing in them freely, informed by my research and readings.