The Magic of the
Snow Leopard
By Richie Beirach
A rich and detailed analysis of the 1978 ECM recording of Richie Beirach’s iconic composition The Snow Leopard along with Richie’s personal reflections on the skills required of a contemporary improviser.
A personal note from Richie
While working on this book, I received the tragic news that my old friend and great bass player George Mraz had passed away at the age of 77 in Prague.
Hearing about his death while writing a book highlighting George’s amazing bass playing and musicianship was a terrible shock.
Listen to the The Snow Leopard track and you will hear George’s humanity and incredible musicianship.
This book is dedicated to the memory of George and to our lifelong friendship.
He will never be forgotten.
