Conversations with Joseph Byrd
Avant garde composer, conceptual artist, rock musician, writer, teacher, gourmand...Joseph Byrd was a profound intellect and talented composer. Before his passing in November, 2025, he and journalist Paul Critz recorded many hours of conversation concerning his life and work...
Avant garde composer, conceptual artist, rock musician, writer, teacher, gourmand...Joseph Byrd was a profound intellect and talented composer. Before his passing in November, 2025, he and journalist Paul Critz recorded many hours of conversation concerning his life and work...
Episodes

Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Episode 4
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
We finish up with Joseph's time in New York City, along the way discussing his two concerts and the work he did with composer and critic Virgil Thompson.

Friday Sep 26, 2025
Episode 3
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Friday Sep 26, 2025
Joseph Byrd discusses the origins of the I-IV-V chord progression and the twelve bar blues.

Monday Jul 21, 2025
Episode 2
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Joseph Byrd discusses the heady days in New York City in the early '60s, composing, performing, and trying to eat.

Monday Jul 21, 2025
Episode 1
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Monday Jul 21, 2025
Meet Joseph Byrd, avant garde composer, psychedelic rock musician, teach, writer, gourmand. Joseph is in his 80s now and resides in Oregon. In this episode, we discuss his early life, college years, and early musical influences.




