David Amram: ". . . taking what's available and making something beautiful out of it."
October 22nd, 1998
Length: 34:55
Genre: Oral History
Credit: Milken Family Foundation
Notes:
With a remarkable background in Western art, music, jazz, and several world musics, David Amram is one American composer for whom the adjective "eclectic" is entirely fitting. In this interview, Amram takes us back to some of the key moments of his life (growing up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, playing jazz with the masters of the bebop and post-bop eras), discusses a range of his Jewish-related works, and shares his own philosophy of Jewish music. Interview conducted at Ellis Island by Neil W. Levin and Barry Serota. Note: This recording has been lightly edited to enhance public access.