Julian Cope presents Head Heritage

Some of the best musical fun I have had in recent years was at a Japanese art exhibit at the Hayward three or four years back where one of the artists had a big rug laid out with instruments all over it and visitors were encouraged to just pick up whatever they fancied and join in the improv.

With the beneift of hindsight I now assume that he was taping / fliming the whole thing but playing music with a moving pool of non musicians and non English speakers topped most of the formal musical improv "happenings" that I have been involved in. Was just as satisfying as playing behind Damo. Though no less stressful in the early stages where you are feeling around for some common ground.

Playing a melodica trio with a couple of Japanese tourists was something I'd love to have on tape. They were beautiful players. Like a pair of ultra intuitive mini-skirted Don Cherrys.