Tim Barnes and Mattin are both major components of the global improv scene. Not only do they constantly collaborate with musicians from all over, but they are also both activists of sorts, with their record labels making sure that the music of the peers is available to whomever seeks it out. As for their own music, Barnes and Martin are not too concerned with melodic encounters. It is more accurate to say that these two are obsessed with discovering new sounds in every object they decide to call their instrument.
Primarily a percussionist, Barnes has been focusing on creating music that moves beyond the drum- using the construction ideas of the instrument to launch a whole new array of textural and sonic possibilities. A Basque Country native, Mattin creates computer music. However, his computer music is not based on programming, but rather using the computer as the object to be played. Mattin investigates the acoustic properties of his computer, while also assembling situations to create feedback. Mattin’s feedback is often instigated by actually bowing the computer itself.
This is the “now” of improvised music, and should not be missed.
Jessica Rylan is a sound artist and electronic musician who lives in Boston. The main focus of her work to date has been the design and construction of modular synthesizers which use analog electronic circuits to create a diversity of sounds. She uses her synthesizers in installations at galleries and also in high-energy, live musical performances. She performs extensively throughout New-England and has also undertaken several national tours which have taken her from Boston all the way to Seattle and San Francisco. She has also performed live on the radio and was featured in a PBS documentary in March, 2003. This is a rare NYC appearance.
Joyful Sonic Wash is lead by Japanese artist Megumi Metsuzaki and her soaring sitar. With several self-released cd-rs to their credit (the latest being a wonderful solo outing by Megumi called White Sea), JSW takes on the astral collapse that Artist such as Don Cherry, Angus MacLise, Terry Riley, and International Harvester carved away at. A beautiful view.