I bought this book around 1996 for a class in creative writing at the College of Dupage (Illinois). The professor was Laura Anshicks (I might be misspelling her name). I remember Laura recommending the first few chapters of Free Play. I agree with her recommendation. These chapters energize me, and encourage me to persevere in my writing projects by taking the pressure off myself and allowing myself to write what is enjoyable (playful) for me. The author--a musician--relates his experience that genuine art comes from the artist in a state of play (like a child). The last set of chapters in the book are overly philosophical, and were difficult for me to push through. The first two-thirds of the book provide the energy, the creative boost.

Every once and a while when I read books on music and philosophy I get this rare sense of inclusion because somebody is putting my feelings into words that I didn't know other people also felt. This is one of those books for me. I like to include a quote I enjoyed in my reviews, but this book had fantastic quotes on every single page. It reinforced the idea that all aspects of your life affect how you improvise, and that no matter how many trials and tribulations an artist has to go through in life if you stick to your guns on how you want your music to sound, you can never go wrong. I will reread this book whenever I am feeling uncertain about my musical journey. To remind myself that has non-lucrative, thankless, and unnoticed being a musician can be, life would be worse off without us.

Interesting premise, but too mystical and fluffy for my liking. There were some illuminating passages, but these were few and far between. The beginning was good but steep decline from page 50 onward.

An interesting enough rumination on the topic of leading a life of creative expression, and why it is fundamentally important for everyone. The book felt like a lot of filler, though it was interesting enough to hold my attention, as it was concerning a topic that I have been quite interested in lately. The bits of practical information seem like they will be quite useful.

Inspirational, actually.

I've never really read anything on creativity; i'd assume it would just be some self-improvement type thing for those who were stuck or looking to improve.

I started reading free play following a particularly creative silent retreat i went on; one that was thoughtfully designed and full of artistic choices. The designer told us that this book was the base of how she approached her wok and my interest was immediately peaked.

Free Play holds creativity in its palm and asks, what are you? where do you come from? how can I cultivate you?

It's a fascinating dive from a jazz musician and that perspective really shows. You can feel that the book is written from an intuitive place. It feels into the questions and comes up with answers inductively. The books swings and swaggers yet remains convinced that it'll never give you the answers you seek, like a wise teacher that tells you 'it depends'. There actually is also practical advice about how to get creatively unstuck, which is to let go, surrender and accept your fate.

It's re-mystified rather than de-mystified play and the creativity that flows out of all of us.

I need to read this again and again, with a highlighter in my pocket. It will be ragged and torn by the time I am 32. This book is wonderful.

Play is not my default. I'm an organizer, arranger, planner, helper, but less play for play sake

¡Qué maravilla de libro y qué traducción tan desastrosa! Hay frases que literalmente no se entienden, pero el contenido es impresionante, absolutamente recomendable.
He leido una edición de Paidós de 2020, en kindle. Han sacado una nueva de 2024 por la misma editorial, espero que sea mejor traducción...

El escritor es músico, especialista en improvisación libre. Es un libro tremendamente inspirador y revelador si tú también lo eres, porque rompe con ideas "clásicas" sobre lo que significa hacer música, crear e improvisar.

Habla sobre la libertad, los procesos creativos, los miedos, la inspiración, la conexión, el inconsciente, entregarse al no saber, el juego como raíz del arte... y un montón de ideas que inspiran profundamente.
¡Un libro imperdible!

If you like creative academia, the research and study around improvisation & play, or like me, want the language to discuss your creative choices at work & play, this is a worthy read. A bit dense at times, but luckily most chapters are short so you can read one then meditate on it. Highly recommended for those who live & work in creative forms.

This is gospel. Stephen articulates concepts which rest on the surface of the mind, but can never quite achieve form, with ease. He inspires and motivates and brings a beautiful spirituality to the creative act.

Very deep and inspiring, and just enjoyable to read for the most part. I’ll probably reread it often. It was recommended by my great-uncle and he said his music professor is reading it for the 8th time.

This is the author's second book that I have read.

I found the other one to be excessively long and very few takeaways or originalities. But I read because of the good reviews.

This second book too.