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So Watt: Derek Bailey's On the Edge – Improvisation in Music (PG)

Jazz on Screen

,Cinema 3
So Watt Derek Bailey

A rare chance to see Derek Bailey and Jeremy Marre's landmark series about improvisation and invention in music – screening in full, in stereo and across a single afternoon.

So Watt is an annual event within the London Jazz Festival which unearths rarities from the television archives. This year's event is specially extended to mark the twentieth anniversary of Derek Bailey's death.

In 1989, Channel 4 invited guitarist Derek Bailey to explore improvisation across the music spectrum, throughout the world, and down the ages. According to the original pitch, On the Edge is a series about 'the all-pervasive presence and significance of improvisation in music.'

Travelling the globe, Bailey meets John Zorn, Eugene Chadbourne, Jerry Garcia, Max Roach, George Lewis, flamenco dancers, slide guitarists in Tennessee, 'classical' Indian musicians, salsa bands, and blues legend Buddy Guy. The documentarian Jeremy Marre selects stunning locations for this feast for the eyes and ears.

Tagged with: Cinema EFG London Jazz Festival 2025 Jazz on Screen 2025 More...

Runtime: 4 x 52mins with interval. Ends approx 6.20pm.

Guests will appear throughout the day to introduce episodes: Oliver Marre, son of the director; the ethnomusicographer and series consultant Professor Lucy Durán; as well as musicians Alex Ward and Max Eastley who both feature in episode 3.

All screening materials are provided courtesy of the BFI. The event is co-curated and presented by Ian Greaves. We would like to thank Harcourt Films for their support.

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.