Eiji Kitamura interviewed by Monk Rowe, Los Angeles, California, February 13, 1999 [transcript]

Table of Contents: Biography -- First clarinet lessons at age 52 -- First exposure to jazz : discovered Benny Goodman "Foxtrot" record -- Starting clarinet : figuring out two notes for "Sentimental journey" -- Imitation vs. innovation : told by Buddy DeFranco to stop copying and improvise for himself -- Making a living as a musician -- Living poor to pay band when cheated by manager -- Playing with Benny Goodman, at Monterey festival -- Taught by masters/Learned importance of originality from Teddy Wilson -- Traditional vs. post bebop : "too many notes" -- Wish to study more -- Introducing young Japanese jazz musicians to the United States/Music is not a competition -- Busy travel schedule : "like a gypsy" -- Jazz influx into Japan after World War II -- About "Jazz party" album with Bill Berry -- 1970s gigs in the United States -- No borders in music.