Critical Studies in Improvisation
Études critiques en improvisation

Volume 16, Number 2, 2025 Improvisation Matters: The Vision, Scholarship, and Legacy of Ajay Heble

Critical Studies in Improvisation / Études critiques en improvisation is pleased to present Issue 16.2: “Improvisation Matters: The Vision, Scholarship, and Legacy of Ajay Heble.”

This special issue includes a kaleidoscopic array of reflections on the ongoing legacy of Dr. Ajay Heble: founding Artistic Director of the Guelph Jazz Festival and the Guelph Jazz Festival Colloquium; founding Director of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI); and one of the founding editors of Critical Studies in Improvisation / Études critiques en improvisation. These reflections take the form of articles, stories, musical performances, poems, photographs, and visual artworks from colleagues, collaborators, students, and community members—all of whom have been inspired by the work and life of Ajay Heble.

This issue is only a snapshot of Heble’s legacy: « un legs qui s’est constitué avec soin, au rythme des rencontres et toujours en phase avec les enjeux du moment, » as Eric Fillion writes in this issue’s final piece. Just as an album of recorded music is merely a record of a particular confluence of musicians in time, this issue is merely a record of Ajay Heble, offered on this occasion by a constellation of colleagues, friends, collaborators, students, and community members who have been inspired by him. Though a mere drop in the ocean, we hope these essays, stories, and artistic offerings provide you a sense of just how far the ripples go.

This issue is available to read in two formats: 1) you can read this issue’s individual articles and artistic contributions below, or 2) you can read this issue as a formatted PDF, featuring all the issue’s contents as well as archival photographs and additional artistic materials.

To view the PDF version of this issue online, click on this link.

To download the PDF version of this issue, click on this link.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Table of contents (27 articles)

Editorial

  1. Improvisation Matters: The Vision, Scholarship, and Legacy of Ajay Heble: A welcome from the editors of Critical Studies in Improvisation / Études critiques en improvisation

    pp. 1–3

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    Abstract

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    In this special issue of Critical Studies in Improvisation / Études critiques en improvisation, the editors have compiled a collection of articles, artistic offerings, and personal reflections from colleagues, friends, collaborators, students, and community members whose lives have been impacted by Ajay Heble. Marking the occasion of Ajay Heble receiving Professor Emeritus status at the University of Guelph, this issue not only celebrates Ajay's ongoing legacy, but also provides an array of insights into the power of community work, the impact of innovative research methods, and the importance of heartfelt collaboration that connects academic and social spheres. What emerges in this issue is the fact that the relationships formed through community-based work academic research are a foundation of social change.

Celebrating Ajay Heble

  1. Thresholds (For Ajay)

    Daniel Fischlin

    p. 1

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    Abstract

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    A poem by Daniel Fischlin dedicated to Ajay Heble.

  2. Composing Community: Improvising with Ajay Heble

    George Lipsitz

    pp. 1–2

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    Abstract

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    George Lipsitz reflects on Ajay Heble's ongoing legacy. Lipsitz writes, "When I think of Heble’s impact and importance for the study and practice of improvisation I am reminded of the great Duke Ellington’s role in changing music and its contexts of creation, performance, and reception," going on to explore the similarities between Ellington and Heble's roles as musicians, community builders, and public intellectuals.

  3. Improvisation and Freedom

    Joel Bakan

    pp. 1–3

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    Abstract

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    This essay, dedicated to Ajay Heble, explores how improvisation relates to two current and synergistic threats to democracy and justice: neoliberalism and illiberalism. It also examines embracing relational freedom as a method of working beyond these threats in our society.

  4. Building Community

    Kimberley McLeod

    p. 1

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    Abstract

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    Kimberley McLeod reflects on Ajay Heble's community work within the University and community of Guelph.

  5. Improvisation for Ajay

    Matt Brubeck

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    An improvised cello performance by Matt Brubeck.

  6. Glisten and Glint: The Ajay Way

    Mervyn Horgan

    pp. 1–2

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    Abstract

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    Mervyn Horgan reflects on his relationship with Ajay Heble, from the start of his work at the University of Guelph to present day.

  7. For Ajay

    Jesse Stewart

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    A percussion performance by Jesse Stewart.

  8. Encouragement, Patient Perseverance, Community, and Surprise: Four Entangled Lessons from my Advisor, Dr. Ajay Heble

    Ben Finley

    pp. 1–2

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    Ben Finley reflects on lessons learned from his PhD Supervisor Ajay Heble.

  9. INEXHAUSTIBLE

    Daniel Fischlin, Ajay Heble, Lewis Melville, Ted Warren and Aimee Copping

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    This piece was originally screened during IF 2022. Videography art by Aimee Copping. Vertical Squirrels is Daniel Fischlin, Ajay Heble, Lewis Melville, and Ted Warren.

  10. Message for Ajay

    Dong-Won Kim

    p. 1

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    Dong-Won Kim offers a letter of thanks to Ajay Heble.

  11. Two Haiku for Ajay & Sheila

    Stacey Bliss

    p. 1

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    Abstract

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    Two Haiku dedicated to Ajay Heble and Sheila O'Reilly.

  12. To Hear With The Eyes

    João Franca

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    A visual improvisation from the summer of 2016 on the Gaspé coast, dedicated to Ajay Heble.

  13. The Bare Sensitivity That Lies at the Heart of Improvisation

    Benjamín Mayer-Foulkes

    pp. 1–2

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    Benjamín Mayer-Foulkes reflects on how Ajay Heble has impacted his life and work with 17, Instituto de Estudios Críticos, Mexico.

  14. Ajay Heble Tribute

    Jane Bunnett

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    Jane Bunnett offers a performance and a speech celebrating Ajay Heble.

  15. And After Landing Wrong?

    Mark Lomanno

    pp. 1–4

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    Mark Lomanno reflects on the impact of Ajay Heble's work—especially the book "Landing on the Wrong Note"—on his life and career.

  16. Ajay’s Law

    Sara Ramshaw

    pp. 1–2

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    Sara Ramshaw reflects on her relationship with Ajay Heble, especially through the lens of her research in the field of Law.

  17. Note for Ajay

    Scott Merritt

    p. 1

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    A note for Ajay Heble from Scott Merritt.

  18. Papillon

    Marianne Trudel

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    An improvised piano performance by Marianne Trudel.

  19. Do All Jazz Musicians Wear Berets?

    Brent Rowan

    pp. 1–2

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    Brent Rowan reflects on his relationship with Ajay Heble, recalling the many ways their lives have crossed paths in Guelph.

  20. Pursuance Étude (Piano), for Ajay Heble

    Kevin McNeilly

    p. 1

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    Kevin McNeilly shares a poem dedicated to Ajay Heble.

  21. Performance for Ajay

    Reza Yazdanpanah and Jesse Stewart

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    Reza Yazdanpanah and Jesse Stewart perform an improvised tar and drum kit collaboration.

  22. Three for Ajay: Learning at “The Other Side of Nowhere”

    Paul Watkins

    pp. 1–2

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    Paul Watkins reflects on his relationship with Ajay Heble, with particular focus on his work with the Improvisation, Community, and Social Practice project (ICASP).

  23. Showing Up, or, Ajay as Accompanist

    Sam Boer

    pp. 1–2

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    Sam Boer reflects on his relationship with Ajay Heble, focusing on his role as an accompanist to activities in the community.

  24. Improvising Joy (January 2020)

    Justine Richardson

    p. 1

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    Justine Richardson shares a reflection on Ajay Heble's joy, which she witnessed as former Project Manager of the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation (IICSI).

  25. Improvising Friendship

    Jesse Stewart

    pp. 1–2

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    Jesse Stewart reflects on his friendship with Ajay Heble, including reflections on the various projects on which they've collaborated over the years.

Coda

  1. CODA

    Eric Fillion

    pp. 1–3

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    Eric Fillion, directeur de l'IICSI, conclut ce numéro de la revue en revenant sur sa relation avec Ajay Heble, directeur émérite de l'IICSI.

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