Came across this live on stage interview with my dear, and sadly departed friend Harold Budd, It was conducted in October 2018, only a few weeks before Harold travelled to the UK to be with me for my 70th birthday concert in Leeds. Harold also, graciously, played on three numbers at the event which, I think, probably constitute his last ever live performance.
The interview was done by Kurt Doles at the MidAmerican Centre For Contemporary Music, College Of Musical Arts and is a warm reminder of Harold's personality, his wit and intelligence of which I was privileged to know and share so well for so many years.
But it also brings to the surface the deep sadness I feel as a result of losing him in such unforeseen and cruel circumstances. He was the most precious and brilliant friend I've ever had and I struggle to conquer the grief I feel from losing him.
I don't know how to copy the link to the interview. When I've tried it doesn't seem to work, but here's as much info as I can get. Perhaps someone with more internet/computer savvy will help me out and post a more competent link.
Harold Budd @ BGSU 10/5/18
Harold Budd interview by Kurt Doles, MidAmerican Center for Contemporary Music, College of Musical Arts, Bowling Green State University 10/5/2018, part of a residency at the Toledo Museum of Art
Nice interview. I was a bit surprised our weekly paper mentioned Harold's passing back in January.
https://www.wweek.com/music/2021/01/08/what-to-listen-to-this-week/
Thinking of my dear friend Harold today who should have been celebrating his birthday with his love, Elise. Candles and wine in the spirit world. Missing you very much, Hal...
What Harold said in this Q&A about earlier in life being a bop purest with his friends and still holding that music in high regard, yet being unable listen to it is something to ponder. It’s funny and it’s so relatable. I’m sure many of us who are drawn to the music Harold gave as well as the music of his collaborators have experienced similar arcs. That he studied musical theory later and wrote scores that were the opposite of bop, in the opposite discipline of minimalism, can be heard throughout his recorded works and live performances, from ‘The Pavilion Of Dreams’ onward. He found a kind of music that was seductive and minimal simultaneously.
Terrific to hear all the things Harold said about you in this, Bill, and it's nice that he goes on and on!
[I remember him telling me some very similar things about you.]
I liked that short story about Pharoah Sanders as well and funny to hear him refer to him by his real name, Farrell Sanders.
Although he puts down Los Angeles often I do remember him telling me about how much he loved Huntington Gardens, which I went and visited afterwards, and he also liked Silverlake where I lived, he liked walking around the lake itself.
That habit he had of saying, "That's it" is always kind of refreshing, but it's also nice how it let it flow when lavishing praise on people, places and things deserving of praise.
Didn't know this was connected with Tim Story. That's a connection to my friend Russell Curry, out in Iowa, and his Curious Music label, which re-released Harold's music on vinyl recently.
Well, he did say that he collaborated music projects with artists he admired.
You know, when I found this video interview, I didn't watch the whole thing in my rush to try and get it on to the website but planned to watch it in its entirety later. And now that I have been able to see it all, I'm astonished by how complimentary and kind Harold speaks about me. I didn't expect him to mention me at all.
Yes, we were very close friends, but I never really grasped how much my music meant to Harold. I always thought of him as being on a higher, rarefied plane artistically, way beyond my ill educated, naive understanding. To be honest, I didn't even know why he would befriend me in the first place. I was much further 'down the ladder' from where he was and looked up to him so much. But I was so happy that he thought of me as a close friend, and now, after hearing him speak about me in such a generous manner in this interview, and to people who probably have never heard my work or my name, well, I'm deeply touched, thrilled, honoured and grateful. Harold, wherever your beautiful spirit resides at this moment, you will always be safe and warm in my heart and always in my thoughts. Bless you my dear friend...
I just have to share one funny memory of Harold. I was helping Cluster on their North American tour in 1996 and I met Harold a few times on that in Los Angeles. We'd have these interesting, laughter-laced conversations. The last time I saw him, he made the thumb-and-pinky-finger "call me" sign to his face, but did it so quickly and casually. I made the same gesture back. Later on I thought about it and realised we never exchanged phone numbers. I was sort of new to Los Angeles at the time and things like that just meaning, "See you later" rather than something literal.
Just listened to this. Totaly enjoyable. Noted his kind words about Bill. Also like when asked about his opinion on the current state of music. After saying that
he never listens to music he mentions that he doesnt know what the newer
generation is doing...could care less about the new generation (obviously in jest).
Thanks, guys, much appreciated!
It's a fairly long interview but, for those of us who love and appreciate Harold, a poignant reminder of his intelligence, perception and character.
💙
https://www.facebook.com/maccmbgsu/videos/2029702073757951/