MISHA ETC. (Misha enzovoor) is the name of a recently released documentary about the Dutch pianist, composer and improvising great Misha Mengelberg.
Director Cherry Duyns shows this unique artist through retrospective introduction of one part of Mengelberg’s creative accomplishments, the influence he had on music history, and through his current state of health – progressive dementia.
Misha Mengelberg serves as a synonym for improvisation and milestones in music history. He is one of the founders of Instant Composers Pool, an orchestra and record label for promotion of avantgarde improvised jazz, where he spent 20 years as head of orchestra. Among Mengelberg’s merit’s is also STEIM (STudio for Electro Instrumental Music),a center for research and development of new music instruments where he is among founding members as well.
He collaborated with great names in jazz like Gary Peacock, Derek Bailey, Peter Brotzman and Anthony Braxton, as well as with permanent music partners among which drummer Han Bennink can be put first. Mengelberg has been collaborating with Bennink since his 1966 debut album The Misha Mengelberg Quartet As Heard At The Newport Jazz Festival.
Watch the documentary trailer about an artist whose concerts we had enjoyed at the 12th Jazz Fest Sarajevo in 2008 when he played a solo concert as well as a concert with his quartet.