Conversations with Joseph Byrd

Joseph and Dorothy set out for the West Coast in a little Triumph...also, we hear from Matt Hannafin, director of Extradition, an experimental musical ensemble that's performing three concerts of Joseph's early '60s work in Portland, Oregon. For more info on these concerts, visit: https://extraditionpdx.com/epb

In this conversation, we explore Joseph's relationship with La Monte Young, from California to New York. We also learn more about working with John Cage, moving beyond chance in composition, mushrooms, and just how bad La Monte Young's homemade curry was. 

We finish up with Joseph's time in New York City, along the way discussing his two concerts and the work he did with composer and critic Virgil Thompson. 

Joseph Byrd discusses the origins of the I-IV-V chord progression and the twelve bar blues. 

Joseph Byrd discusses the heady days in New York City in the early '60s, composing, performing, and trying to eat. 

Meet Joseph Byrd, avant garde composer, psychedelic rock musician, teach, writer, gourmand. Joseph is in his 80s now and resides in Oregon. In this episode, we discuss his early life, college years, and early musical influences.