Reaching Beyond: Improvisations on Jazz, Buddhism, and a Joyful Life

by Herbie Hancock, Daisaku Ikeda, Wayne Shorter

Overview

In Reaching Beyond, Buddhist thinker and activist Daisaku Ikeda explores the origins, development,and international influence of jazz with legendary artists Herbie Hancockand Wayne Shorter.Reflecting on their lives and careers, Mr. Hancock and Mr. Shorter sharethe lessons they have learned from their musical mentors, including MilesDavis and Art Blakey, and how the Buddhist philosophy they've learnedfrom President Ikeda over the past forty years deeply resonates with theemancipatory spirit of jazz.These wide-ranging conversations include such thought-provoking topics as:• Music's mission for peace in a time of discord• The importance of the artist's spiritual growth• The Buddhist concept of changing poison into medicine• Ways to make the “ideal America” a reality for everyoneReaching Beyond offers positive new ideasfor musicians and nonmusicians alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781938252761
Publisher:	Middleway Press
Publication date:	02/01/2017
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	232
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Now in the sixth decade of his professional life, Herbie Hancockremains where he has always been: at the forefront of culture,technology, business, and music. A legendary pianist andcomposer, Hancock received an Academy Award for his RoundMidnight score and fourteen Grammy awards, including Albumof the Year. He currently serves as creative chair for jazz for theLos Angeles Philharmonic and as institute chairman of theThelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. In 2011, Hancock was nameda UNESCO goodwill ambassador by UNESCO director-generalIrina Bokova, received a Kennedy Center Honors Award in 2013,and a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2016. Daisaku Ikeda has dedicated himself to strengthening thefoundations of a culture of peace for more than sixty years.As president of the twelve million-member Soka GakkaiInternational, he has taught the life-affirming principles ofBuddhism throughout the world, emphasizing the supremedignity, worth, and creative potential of all people.A prolific author, poet, and speaker, he has also foundednumerous institutions to further the causes of peace, cultureexchange, and humanistic education. His numerous honors includethe U.N. Peace Medal, the Rosa Parks Humanitarian Award, andthe Simon Wiesenthal Center’s International Tolerance Award. Wayne Shorter’s continually expanding body of work is inextricablylinked to the history of modern music. Regarded as one ofthe most significant and prolific performers and composers, hisoutstanding achievements include eleven Grammy Awards andhonorary doctorates from Juilliard, New York University, andothers.Wayne collaborated with greats Art Blakey and Miles Davis,cofounded the signature fusion group Weather Report, and hisquartet is praised as one of the greatest jazz groups of all times.He has work commissioned by some of the world’s best symphonyorchestras.He hopes his music inspires people to awaken to their owngreatness and to enjoy this ultimate adventure called life. Wayneis currently in the studio at work on a new CD to be accompaniedby a graphic novel that will be released in 2017.