So my introduction to improvised music has now risen to two Stet Lab events. Finding it strange how, no matter what I think I’m gonna do, even in the few seconds before starting, what comes out is completely different. Pity that the pieces I played in on both nights failed to be recorded; just don’t really remember anything I did, it all fades away moments after playing. But maybe it’s for the best that the first attempts aren’t recorded for all eternity!
Really enjoyed my first night, October 11th. It’s a long time ago by now but can still clearly remember the highlight of the night; from 7 minutes and 50 seconds to end of ‘guviorum’ with Han-earl Park (guitar), Helena Reilly (voice) Claudia Schwab (violin) and Dan Walsh (drums). Excellent decision to continue Dan, and such a striking outro from Claudia. Other favourite moments from the night were Jeffrey Weeter on tom and splash, and getting to have a go myself (thanks Claudia!).
From November 15th, don’t remember so much even though it was only last week! Great sounds from Andrea Bonino’s electronics and guitar, particularly in the duet with Han…. that sound was full! Loved some of the extended techniques from Ian Smith. Can’t really remember much from the quartet I played in, just that there was a lot going on!
So in general, I’ve been enjoying it all so far. One thing I want to hear is someone just grooving on something limited or ‘standard’ for want of a better word. For all the different music being played at the lab, sometimes it just doesn’t sound that different to itself! But that’s just a niggley complaint; if I want to hear that, maybe I should just try it myself?!
See you all next month… really looking forward to hearing some of that tasty vibraphone!
Oh, Han…. definately get that fridge plugged out for the next night. That humming, buzzing piece of crap gets to perform in every piece!
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One thing I want to hear is someone just grooving on something limited or ‘standard’ for want of a better word…. If I want to hear that, maybe I should just try it myself?!
Yes, you should! Actually, during the quartet with Ian and Athos, when you started popping and slapping that bass, I was ready for a groove (I tried pulling it towards a r’n’b feel), but for whatever reason it didn’t go there.
…Definately get that fridge plugged out for the next night.
I think it was actually the ice machine, but, yeah, I agree… (do you know how to unplug these things?). The history of the Lab is tied to malfunctioning and noisy bar machines (check out the april and june 2008 recordings—from two different venues!—for example).
Thanks for the post.