Lew Tabackin interviewed by Monk Rowe, New York City, New York, January 17, 1999 [transcript]

Table of Contents: Biography -- Got into flute by default -- First hearing and playing jazz : "thrill of ignorance" vs. musical sophistication -- Teaching : give students the whole concept -- Rejected pop music from the age of 15 -- Learned multiphonics -- Learning by listening to greats' records : "you hear the essence and you take it in" -- Description of his style/Definition of genius -- Critics : "they listen with their eyes" -- Reactions to seeing Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane/Multiple-tenor influence -- Encourages students' broad listening -- Getting into big band scene/Assumption that whites have reading skills -- Calloway reunion band : music was a guide only : "a radar system with the lead alto player" -- First gig with Thad Jones and Mel Lewis : the whole band stopped during his solo -- Duke Pearson big band/Playing 4th tenor : "play each note like it's important, with feeling" -- Tonight show band -- Economics of studio work vs. jazz in the 1960s -- Marketing : jazz recognized as an art form, yet marketed as pop -- Getting gigs at major clubs : all-star groups only -- Jazz today : bookings have to be a sure thing -- Technique and concentration/Charlie Parker quote : "move your fingers fast as they'll go" -- Improvisation : "sometimes you transcend your abilities."