l’après monde

those that know me may have noticed i have been in full hermit mode. this may be to compensate for what i should have done during lockdowns. instead of using the period for stillness, with no gig in view, i occupied the time to produce and publish a large amount of work. i mastered and prepared the entire live archive for my band inclusion principle, created another bandcamp site for my own work and prepared albums for release, compiled all my solo electroacoustic performances for the series résonance, created albums from various field recordings, etc. this can be found on my bandcamp page.

during that time, i also produced three albums and released two of them: a wonderful duo with gus garside published by 377, and Inclusion Principle’s fourth. this is the third composition which has not yet been heard.

‘l’après monde’ started with henry recording piano and trombone at his home in the south of france. we have played as a duo for several years. henry is a wonderful pianist who took up the trombone around the same time as i switched to saxophone. we were part of an amazing network of improvisers and have played acoustic improvisation and gigged during many of my visits in the area. here, we use a very different approach while working from separate countries. plus, this collaboration takes on a new colour with the addition of electronic sounds and treatment. some of the things i was exploring in this piece paved the way to compositions for the Inclusion Principle album i worked on next.

i cut up the recordings henry sent me, drawing sections of improvisation, and shorter clips to create space and dynamic flow, radical changes between tableaux that organically unfold. i used samplers for the trombone, looped riffs, layered harmonic sections, processed the piano to create spectral clouds, etc. and thus, using henry’s material as building blocks, i arranged the structure for four pieces.

in all four, i gradually added electronic rhythms, field recordings and sound sculptures that are part of my palette, enjoying the possibilities found in ableton live 10 and creating new sounds. i then added alto sax improvisations, at times duetting with henry’s phrasing, at time playing in contrast, and flying off over loops or beats. the interplay, i hope, portrays the energy and excitement typical of our duo, and yet feels very different with added studio time and wide soundscapes. i rather like the balance between the raw energy of improvisation and the playful compositional techniques i have used.

this work seems to explore many areas of contemporary music, including jazz, improvisation, electronic, new music and electroacoustic composition. imagine a car crash between rothko and pollock. cezanne cries in a corner. the scene, smudged in the rain. 

 

 

i am very pleased to share this work with you, and i hope you enjoy listening. drop us a line and let us know… pass the word, and please support the artists featured.

three voices

after a long period spent in the electroacoustic universe, i return to recording saxophone and revisit live processing on a different system. over time, i recorded improvisations using a limited set of plug-ins to inspire a certain soundscape. the three voices correspond to three sound worlds and three types of plug-ins: spectral, granular and tonal.

with the saxophone, i explore abstract textures and sound techniques that can be found in free improv and contemporary music. but mostly, i replicate the fractal approach of this sonic explosion, and play with symmetrical shapes using a harmonic system i have been developing.

the last improvisation, in contrast is free from wild tweakery, and sits in the vast space of a gentle reverb. i am using a minor scale with major seven, a very powerful and dramatic colour used by ravi shankar in his ode to gandhi.

 

this album reflects some of the sounds and techniques i have been playing with. i hope you enjoy this journey…

 

nada – live performances

nada has been a regular live stream for a while now. you can catch this on my bandcamp – follow this page so you get reminders.

gradually, i am starting to perform this set live again, in certain places of significance, ideally with great acoustics, and at times to groups of meditators, which is the main purpose of the series.

recently, i was really pleased to get an opportunity to play in sheffield cathedral, which is an amazing place, for one of the lunchtime recitals. the resonance of the place is beautiful yet subtle. the audience was spread across the very wide nave and some walked around to see the artwork on display. i noticed how attentive everyone was to the very detailed textures of my field recordings, and the ambience created by their natural resonance. there is a section where the energy in the space was really powerful: the cathedral responded brilliantly to the heart resonance and the sense of compassion and stillness were palpable.

such a pleasure to play in the cathedral. check out the recording:

 

 

previously, i performed a set in firth hall for the sound junction series of electroacoustic concerts. the sound was spatialised across 8 speakers, arranged as half circle surrounding the audience. diffusing the sound while improvising was a very exciting challenge. it was such a pleasure to perform in this really impressive space – an edwardian oak panelled hall that housed so many great performances. plus, it was really cool to hear my work on such high quality equipment. thanks to the sound junction guys for this opportunity.

here is a stereo mix of the set:

 

 

for more information on nada listening meditations, check out this presentation page.

please join my mailing list for info on future events and new releases.

 

 

thought of the day – nada

“

One of the great virtues of meditating on the inner sound is that it easily supports both aspects of samadhi (meditative concentration): samatha (“shamatha” in Sanskrit, meaning calmness or tranquillity) and vipassana (insight). Samadhi can be described as the fixing of the mind on a single object for a period of time. And this single­ness of focus, or one-pointedness, can function in two distinct ways. The first, which is the basis of samatha, can be thought of as “the point that excludes.” It’s like using the spot-focus beam of an adjustable flashlight to lock onto a single object and block out everything else.

The second way, the basis of vipassana, can be described as “the point that includes.” The one-pointedness expands into an awareness that makes the whole experience of the pres­ent moment the object of meditation. Using the broad-focus beam of the same adjustable flash­light, all the various aspects of the present—not just a single, brightly lit spot—are encompassed in the light of awareness.

“

The Sound of Silence by Ajahn Amaro

https://www.lionsroar.com/the-sound-of-silence/

for a year now, i have been improvising electroacoustic soundscapes as a basis for deep listening. this series of live streams is called nada. and i have been thinking in those terms, that most approaches to buddhist meditation are contained in this pratice. coming across this excellent article gives nice feedback in that i was right in my thinking. those sound meditations have been a really rewarding output that combine both my spiritual pratice and my creative and technical work. i hope this benefits many people.

if you would like to listen to the series, please check out my bandcamp page. you can follow to receive updates of the coming live streams.

you can also sign up to my newsletter.

the other shore

“

If you are a poet, you will see clearly that there is a cloud floating in this sheet of paper. Without a cloud, there can be no rain; without rain, the trees cannot grow; and without tress, we cannot make paper. The cloud is essential for the paper to exist. If the cloud is not here, the sheet of paper cannot be here either. So we can say that the cloud and the paper inter-are.

“

Thich Nhat Hanh, The Other Shore

 

 

my good friend gus sent me this book a while ago. he is also a buddhist and follows the Thich Nhat Hanh tradition. we have been in the habit of meeting online for regular chats, and also play music at a distance. those meetings have been amazing and the music we recorded means so much – have a listen! we were talking about the heart sutra and he just sent me this new interpretation. what a beautifully poetic presentation of Pratītyasamutpāda and Śūnyatā. every chapter is a gem. what a wonderful read.

Sounding Out Thor’s Cave 2023

no need for words. the space speaks for itself through the saxophone. every visit has a different vibe. such an inspiration. enjoy…

 

 

call of the wild
alto saxophone, 09 august 2023
thor’s cave

 

 

underground torrent
alto saxophone, 09 august 2023
thor’s cave

 

 

the sun sets in silence
alto saxophone, 09 august 2023
thor’s cave

 

 

sinuous
alto saxophone, 09 august 2023
thor’s cave

 

 

the last curtain
alto saxophone, 09 august 2023
thor’s cave

 

Sounding Out Cathedral Cave – june 2023

a most welcome return to a spectacular location.

cathedral cave is a very unique and wonderful place both in terms of atmosphere and acoustics. this time, the weather gives a very different quality to the experience of the place. i have been walking in the area in blazing sunshine, swimming in the clear water of lakes surrounded by beautiful landscapes.

i arrive to the cave tired, warm and pretty blissed out from such stunning scenery. the cool space provides a nice shelter from the heat. and although it is still busy that late in the day, the imposing presence of this carved architecture sets a strong mood that is serene.

the name of cathedral cave is well deserved.

here, time stops.

and from the very fist notes, i enter that very special place fully.

both evenings, i play for a period of time, blending melodic passages, progressions, and overtones, taking advantage of this unique and powerful reverb. some sections play with the different effects the space offers – the interplay of tones in the sustain is fascinating… two notes linger and dance in the space and each interval a different pattern. each triad swirls a different spin.

although the space mostly inspires a gentle play of tones and melody, more angular shapes find their way in the improvisations. symmetrical structures bounce across the spectrum from one axis to the next. geometric shapes climb the raw surface of the rock. a little slack in the rope allows for smudges of movement. chromatic whirls send phases off-center. the space responds and blesses the ear with stunning sound effects.

 

 

 

the first line
alto saxophone, 13 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

blurred boundaries
alto saxophone, 13 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

the space in between
alto saxophone, 13 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

 

wind swept plains
alto saxophone, 14 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

slack bounce
alto saxophone, 14 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

a study of small shapes
alto saxophone, 14 june 2023
cathedral cave

 

nada – listening meditation

 

nada

the sound of silence

 

nada is an invitation to meditate with the sounds of the five elements, to heal body and mind with the songs from streams and rivers, from wind and trees, with harmonies that we intuitively relate to. this meditation practice highlights the relation between elements and emotions and our close connection to nature.

 

sculpted from the sounds of natural elements, these listening meditations are electroacoustic performances that draw from many years of practice as a composer and improviser, from qi gong, buddhist practice and meditation.

 

with the practice of mindfulness of listening, one is invited to reflect on perceptions, thoughts and reactions, on our connection to the elements internally and externally, as we delve deep into the observation of subtle sensations. all key aspects of buddhist meditation are integrated into this one practice, so there is no multiplicity of approaches.

the narratives that unfold, following the natural movements of the recordings, and the changes in mood during the performance keep the listener engaged while the live processing that playfully reshape known sounds may incite close attention conducive to meditative states of concentration.

 

another important aspect of the work is the use of resonant frequencies found in natural sounds, especially selecting and sculpting tonalities used in sound and vibrational therapy. it is like a gong bath, but using healing frequencies from nature: the harmonies are specific to a time and place, and the element recorded.

 

each performance is unique as i intuitively select the aesthetic, atmosphere and tonalities i use moment to moment. improvisation as approach and method allows me to adapt what sounds i use, what resonance to focus on, so the music flows and connects with the audience.

 

i offer these performances as livestreams on the bandcamp platform in a series called nada, so that people can meditate in the comfort of their home.

i am also available to travel to buddhist, meditation, yoga centres, etc. who are willing to accommodate such events for groups of experienced meditators.

 

 

technical details:

i use
1 performance laptop + usb audio interface
optional x2 microphones and mike stands [when using a collection of meditation bowls and bells, etc.]
1 streaming laptop + usb mixer
h5 zoom recorder
multiplug extension cable, misc connectivity

required from venue
power or extension cable to the performance area
low table and meditation seat
amplification – high quality stereo speakers, able to reproduce a high range of frequencies and wide stereo image [i can bring suitable speakers if needed, tbc]. possible multichannel diffusion via ADAT
additional – table or support for streaming laptop
stable wi-fi internet access for live stream

 

 

contact:

nexttimerv_at_hotmail_dot_com

 

 

 

reviews:

“I found this work intriguing and at times beguiling […] and I realised that by having more to pay attention to, my meditation sessions could be sustained for a longer time by Hervé’s listening meditations”

Benedict Jackson – dimensions-in-sound-and-space

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It’s been a magical experience, following you in this sound journey, deeply
listening with open heart and ears.
Lukas M – audience member

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Hervé’s live improvisations transport you onto a journey which is at once sensorially relaxing and awakening. Through his unique use of texture, rhythm and space he is able to keep the audience on their toes whilst grounding them into an uninterrupted state of flow from start to finish. A powerful sonic experience!
Lorenzo P – audience member

*

Thoroughly enjoyed falling back into the really clear three dimensional soundscape.
Dave P – audience member

*

These are absolutely magic journeys for drifting off… Thanks for the calming moments.
Phil I – audience member

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audio examples

 

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Sounding Out Stoney Middleton St Martin’s 2022

i spent two days across moorland chasing after deer sounds, fawning across the fern and forests for close encounters. finally had a long and silent eye contact with the big dude. not a single sound. on the last evening, nearly out of earshot of constant distant traffic, i find antlers clashing and guttural calls… proved to be worth the wait.

for a change of scenery and ticks removed, i head down the valley to a small church in the village of stoney middleton, tucked away in the rocks. the space is open and bright, the sound welcoming. it is a quiet morning and the light filters through and gently lifts the faded colours of this interesting interior.

skylines
alto saxophone, 14 oct 2022
st martins, stoney middleton

   

harvest
alto saxophone, 14 oct 2022
st martins, stoney middleton

   

rolling free
alto saxophone, 14 oct 2022
st martins, stoney middleton

   

the bell calls
alto saxophone, 14 oct 2022
st martins, stoney middleton

   

   

Sounding Out Thor’s Cave 2022

Such a pleasure to return to this very inspiring location, full of character and fire. There are many distractions and flow is sometimes difficult… One has to be mindful of their steps… it is a long slide down. Birds always join in. Visitors come for a chat. Great times.

It is usually quite late when the space opens, and i end up recording as the light goes down. i’ve always found that the energy is quite mixed, and playing here is an interesting challenge. But this can be rewarding too to find inspiration and flow when it is not as obvious and giving as in other locations. Simple ideas seem to be a thread, and i enjoy the minimal motifs that come out of the improvisations, leaving space for textural connections and more busy runs. The moods also clash – at times gentle, but more often, there is a full-on explosion of sound and it feels like the fingers barely keep up. This place is raw. And i like it.

step up
alto saxophone, 14 may 2022
thor’s cave

   

indecision
alto saxophone, 14 may 2022
thor’s cave

   

colour clash
alto saxophone, 14 may 2022
thor’s cave

   

bird view
alto saxophone, 14 may 2022
thor’s cave

   

 

two paths
alto saxophone, 15 may 2022
thor’s cave

   

ajna – the tao of three
alto saxophone, 15 may 2022
thor’s cave