The engrossing book, due out November 15, 2023, features stories of Haynes’ encounters with legends like Lee Konitz, Anthony Braxton, Dave Liebman and Paul Smoker, along with poetry, musical analysis and lessons from a life in music. The release will be accompanied by the career-spanning, eight-hour compilation A Life Improvised, a 62-track collection encompassing Haynes’ myriad projects and collaborations.

“In [Chasing the Masters], you find the beauty of Phil and his way of living. His artistry percolates beyond the rims of the glass (or of a drum), as all of the world becomes his canvas.” – Vocalist Nicholas Horner, from the Foreword to Chasing the Masters

“Since arriving in New York from Oregon in 1983, drummer Phil Haynes established himself as a potent force on the downtown composer/improviser scene.” – Bill Milkowski, JazzTimes