Keith Tippett the Mujician 💫

 

PRE-ORDER Keith Tippett: Mujician - The authorised biography by Martin Phillips plus double CD of previously unreleased music

 

from Jazz In Britain

Book/Magazine

NOTE: THIS BOOK WILL BE PUBLISHED ON 15 MAY

Jazz In Britain is proud to announce the publication of Martin Phillips’ long-awaited biography of one of the pivotal figures in British jazz.

Title: Keith Tippett: Mujician – The authorised biography
Author: Martin Phillips
Publisher: ‎ Jazz In Britain (15 May 2026)
Language: ‎ English
Hardback: ‎ 328 pages
ISBN: 978-1-9163206-9-7
Dimensions: ‎ 15.6 x 1.5 x 23.4 cm

Limited edition hardback book with 13 black and white and 31 colour photographs. Only 1,000 copies available worldwide. The book includes a Foreword by renowned British writer Richard Williams and a double CD album of previously unreleased Keith Tippett recordings.

Keith Tippett (1947–2020), a policeman’s son from Bristol, grew up to be one of the most important pianists in the history of jazz music. From humble beginnings as a chorister alongside his father and brothers, Keith became one of Britain’s finest and most innovative pianists, both in jazz and on his forays into more ‘classical’ territory.

Described by none other than Cecil Taylor as “one of the most interesting and original European pianists in jazz and free music”, Keith collaborated with the cream of British, European and South African jazzers on his large scale works such as Septober Energy and Frames: Music for an imaginary film. But he was also equally at home as a solo performer, or in duets with the likes of Stan Tracey, Howard Riley and Louis Moholo-Moholo.

Martin Phillips’ beautifully crafted biography delivers the full story of a man for whom the music was everything. A consummate craftsman of his art whose output varied from delicate string quartets (Linückea) to the monumental majesty of the 50 piece Centipede, a feat achieved in his early twenties that most would have hesitated to attempt at any point in their career.

“Over the course of half a century, his rare combination of open-mindedness and firm focus created a body of work matching that of any British musician of his generation, its range – including wholly improvised solo piano recitals of staggering richness, ebullient works for vast jazz orchestras, and a finely wrought cantata – surely without rival.”
Richard Williams.

“At last, the complete story, of Keith Tippett, the complete musician.”
Nod Knowles, promoter, former President of Europe Jazz Network

“Martin Phillips has captured the very essence of Keith in this book which brought me to tears of both sadness and laughter. Incredibly true to Keith as the brother I knew and the musician he was. Keith would have been humbled and embarrassed at this tribute to him”.
Clive Tippetts.

“A wonderfully moving, perceptive and informative portrait of a man I was proud to call a friend for more than fifty years”
Larry Stabbins. Musician

“Keith was a totally outstanding pianist, musician and composer. I saw several of his solo concerts over the years and they always produced truly spiritual music. This book explores in full Keith’s musical mind and achievements.”
Paul Dunmall. Musician

“Keith Tippett is one of three musicians of my generation who continue to influence and guide my musical thinking. Keith’s music speaks for itself. Perhaps less well-known is Keith’s stature as an ethical musician, a good man. Gratitude to Martin Phillips for drawing attention to one of the finest players of his generation.”
Robert Fripp. Musician and producer.

“This is more than a biography. It is a book which takes you on a wonderful journey, allowing you to become friends with a remarkable man and a unique artist.”
Riccardo Bergerone. Promoter.


CONTENTS
Foreword by Richard Williams
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Prelude
1. 59 Pen Park Road
2. London Calling
3. Quiet Now
4. The South African Family
5. Beside The Tortworth Oak
6. The Difficult Second Decade
7. Alone
8. Now, About the Piano
9. Two’s Company
10. Couple In Spirit
11. Turn Up. Sound Check. Play
12. Back To Big
13. The Educator
14. Bristol Clubbing
15. An Englishman Abroad
16. Other Paths Taken
17. Last Dances
18. Nearing The End
Coda
Endword
Testimonies
Discography
Notes
Index

ACCOMPANYING CDS
A double CD album comprising two previously unreleased recordings accompanies the book. This album will not be available separately. 
Disc 1
Solo recital recorded at The White Lion , Exeter, UK, 10 March 1984
Keith Tippett, piano
1. Set 1
2. Set 2
Disc 2
Keith Tippett’s Ark, recorded at The 100 Club, London, UK, 24 May 1976
Keith Tippett, piano, leader; Elton Dean, alto sax; Chris Francis, alto sax; Larry Stabbins, tenor sax; Brian Smith, tenor sax; Mark Charig, cornet; Dick Pearce, trumpet; Nick Evans, trombone; Dave Amis, trombone; Harry Miller, bass; Louis Moholo, drums
1. Part 1
2. Part 2
3. Part 3
4. Part 4
5. Part 5
6. Part 6

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Martin Phillips has published a musical memoir, Towards Abbey Road: Growing Up With The Beatles and a collection of short stories, Listening To Coloured Dreams. His semi-autobiographical short story about Stan Getz, A Nice Bunch of Guys, won the Yeovil International Short Story prize. He has an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck College, London University and lives in Devon.