sounding out 2019

 

 

This new series is a selection of recordings from places i visited between spring and early summer 2019.

It all begins with the discovery of a tunnel with incredible acoustic properties. The slightest sound echoes against the walls and along the length of it – which is significant. This marks also the return of the old soprano which i have not used much lately because it is in a rather poor state. It is still fun to revisit my first love though, and even if the recordings are somewhat imperfect, they reflect the joy of meeting the instrument again. Recordings like East Witton and the majestic Newby are such.

This section is followed by a number of places in Northumberland, each with its own acoustics, its own mood and of course inspired very different musical adventures. There are some really significant moments here inspired by such places and also reflecting on my use of musical systems based around symmetry. Blanchland Abbey is a very interesting building, but i was also inspired by places where the architecture was not as stricking perhaps, but had a special feel all the same.

The third part finds two location in herefordshire where i stopped on the way to wales. Once again, this selection may not be the grand acoustics i have explored in the past, but present much interest and allow for a wider range of playing and atmospheres.

i hope you enjoy listening to these explorations. And the search continues.

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watching ripples
soprano saxophone, 21 april 2019
thurgoland tunnel

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the crane
2.4 shakuhachi, 21 april 2019
thurgoland tunnel

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points, line and weave
soprano saxophone, 15 may 2019
east witton church

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slight side entanglement
soprano saxophone, 15 may 2019
east witton church

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do the pollock
soprano saxophone, 16 may 2019
newby church

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steps into the wild
alto saxophone, 10 july 2019
st mary, barnard castle

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deepening the search
alto saxophone, 10 july 2019
st mary, barnard castle

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stone bridge
alto saxophone, 11 july 2019
blanchland abbey

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birds over breeze
alto saxophone, 11 july 2019
blanchland abbey

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leaves swirl
alto saxophone, 11 july 2019
blanchland abbey

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sermoned by snakes
alto saxophone, 11 july 2019
holy cross church, haltwhistle

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path of multiplicity
alto saxophone, 12 july 2019
st peter church, humshaugh

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evening balm
alto saxophone, 12 july 2019
st peter church, humshaugh

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étirement temporaire
alto saxophone, 12 july 2019
st peter church, humshaugh

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into the ring
alto saxophone, 11 august 2019
st john the baptist, bishops castle

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secret passage
alto saxophone, 11 august 2019
st john the baptist, bishops castle

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brief advance
alto saxophone, 13 august 2019
st mary’s, kington

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crossing steel
alto saxophone, 13 august 2019
st mary’s, kington

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the Jack Hylton room

 

 

 

while rehearsing with maja and adam in lancaster, there was a steinway grand in the room, and could not help have a play. i stayed behind to practice my saxophone but instead did some recordings.

hitting just one note sounds fantastic in the resonance of the room. i could have listened to clusters of tones, sustain and interact in the tail off, for hours on end.

fortunately, i had my pocket size zoom H2n with me, and decided to record a Sounding Out style improvisation on piano and then sax.

while playing, it occurred to me i should put the two together to see what happens. i placed the two files on the timeline so the beginning of each recordings would be in sync and listened to the mix…

i had to cut out a few bits, like a the ubiquitous hand claps for impulse response at the beginning (this is why the sax starts later) or a pause in between takes etc. but making sure the two files retain the same timing.

 

 

 

this is the result of mixing together two pieces, recorded independently but in the same space:

 

every other step
improvisations recorded back to back then synced together from start of file
hylton room, lancaster university
alto saxophone and piano, 03 may 2019

 

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drops and ripples
improvisations recorded back to back then synced together from start of file
hylton room, lancaster university
alto saxophone and piano, 03 may 2019

 

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sounding out herefordshire 2019

 

during a visit into wales, which included working outside in a garden, digging soil and chopping wood, i had a break from activities and visited one of my favourite places in the area, dore abbey. i got to play in this wonderful space on two separate occasions and managed to get enough material in between visitors. the second day was quieter and i could get deeper into the vibe. i am very pleased to hear, when listening back, that my research is gradually merging into my playing. the harmonic work that supports the melodic narrative of my improvisations keeps getting more intricate and interesting while remaining accessible.

this post features a couple more locations, both visited on the same day. the spaces are similar sizes and yet the mood inspired music that is varied. in skenfrith, the faster flowing and brighter tone brought out angular playing. while garway seemed to inspire a contemporary sparseness and a gentler touch.

there is also a short interlude, in between the two recordings of dore abbey, on 2.4 shakuhachi in the welsh small church of st gastyn’s.

i hope you enjoy listening to the tracks in this post. more recordings in this series can be found under the category ‘sounding out’.

 

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opening time
alto saxophone, 11 march 2019
dore abbey

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in conversation with space
alto saxophone, 11 march 2019
dore abbey

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vestiges of verticality
alto saxophone, 11 march 2019
dore abbey

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duality
2.4 shakuhachi, 12 march 2019
st gastyn’s church, llangasty

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venturing the windings
alto saxophone, 13 march 2019
dore abbey

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golden vales
alto saxophone, 13 march 2019
dore abbey

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a slow climb ahead
alto saxophone, 13 march 2019
dore abbey

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suddenly it all makes sense
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st bridget’s church, skenfrith

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surface tension
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st bridget’s church, skenfrith

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coloured squares
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st bridget’s church, skenfrith

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stratum
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st michael’s church, garway

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multiphonos
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st michael’s church, garway

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mechanisms invertum
alto saxophone, 14 march 2019
st michael’s church, garway

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sounding out north yorkshire 2018

 

 

 

the last of 2018, sounding out is returning to north yorkshire. this time, focusing on the area to the west among the dales and waterfalls – and inspired by the high energy of this rocky landscape.

once again, i am delighted to present pieces that draw out the stories of such amazing places. of this short selection, i was particularly struck by the small and quiet village of clapham. the size of the church and its calm presence provided a perfect rest after a walk along the valley, in craggy cuts through the rocks. walking back above the tree lines, with a view over the valley, the surrounding landscape all saturated with the gorgeous colours of autumn.

clapham church was light and bright. at times bustling with people looking after the place, those preparing for parties and other visitors. i found some quiet time too – to reflect, and some to venture tones and resonate the space. ecstatic, grand and a feel of infinity, powerful as waterfalls and quiet as the forest – is the feeling of this place.

moving east, i returned to pateley bridge where i’d stopped in the past for a place to meditate. i’d really wanted to return and take the time to play in this wonderful acoustics. this time was just right. as i stepped in, the sweet smell of incense welcomed me in a place that was totally peaceful. no need for further invitation, the welcome was clear and i immediately sank into that place of stillness where the music flows.

 

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above the trees
alto saxophone, 21 october 2018
st cuthbert’s, pateley bridge

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in search of the gentle
alto saxophone, 21 october 2018
st cuthbert’s, pateley bridge

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hugs for the bear pile
alto saxophone, 21 october 2018
st cuthbert’s, pateley bridge

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segway to the next emptiness
alto saxophone, 21 october 2018
st cuthbert’s, pateley bridge

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finding water
2.4 shakuhachi, 21 october 2018
st michael, malham kirkby

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infinite expanses of blue
alto saxophone, 20 october 2018
st james, clapham

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one door opens another closes
alto saxophone, 20 october 2018
st james, clapham

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the sliding tones of autumn
alto saxophone, 20 october 2018
st james, clapham

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slowly on the path
alto saxophone, 20 october 2018
st james, clapham

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a crack of light splashes through the rock
alto saxophone, 19 october 2018
st marys, long preston

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balancing the globe like hot candles
alto saxophone, 19 october 2018
st marys, long preston

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who is pulling the strings
alto saxophone, 19 october 2018
st marys, long preston

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Sounding Out EPK

sounding out

is the practice of deep listening, a connection with the spirit of a place.

in a series of solo saxophone recordings, i connect with and explore outdoor acoustics and sacred sites, investigating the nature of space and architecture, natural topography.

drawing inspiration from the location, its environment and soundscape as well as its acoustics, the improvisations move freely between lyrical, harmonic and the more abstracted gestures of contemporary music.

both melody and extended techniques explore the way sounds resonate the space. in turn, the character of the space itself becomes instrumental in shaping the music.

more importantly, the space affects the musical content, as it were, whispering its history into the spontaneous compositions, expressing itself through my instrument.

the recordings made in-situ are documents of a point in time. they are not meant to be perfect studio recordings. they incorporate external sonic events, location sounds, interventions both outside and within the performance. the focus of this project is more on a spiritual connection with a location, and using this deep experience as a very rich catalyst for creativity.

while the music will appeal on the emotional level, the concept of the project offers many levels that will stand up to analysis. acoustics, soundscape, musical contents, the nature of the performance, the voice of the space made manifest and various interactions between all the elements make these recordings a deeply interesting and touching listening experience.

the practice of meditation has become an integral part of the process. it is a means to strengthen the connection to a sense of place, through deep listening. but also, exploring those very creative psychological dimensions, the use of meditative state, becomes an approach to performance.

links:

you will find short extracts that give a survey of the varied acoustics of many locations, where i have recorded, on soundcloud:

if you would like to listen to full tracks, this wordpress site has a section called sounding out. here, the recordings are compiled together in posts relating to specific locations or areas visited over a period of time.

my website also has a page in the field recordings section that catalogues all the spaces where i have recorded over the years.

biography:

Hervé Perez is a sound artist/composer from France, now based in Sheffield, UK.

Hervé has been composing music and performing live around Europe for over 20 years. Playing solo and in various groups, he draws from jazz, electro-acoustic, contemporary music, experimental electronics, free improvisation, immersive sound art and ancient techniques of sound therapy alike.

Hervé plays the saxophones, shakuhachi and laptop in several groups and many collaborations.

Live performances incl. Huddersfield Week of Speakers, Mantis festival in Manchester, insubordinations microfestival in Switzerland, Sheffield festival of the Mind, Mopomoso at the Vortex London, Megapolis and Dumbo Arts Festivals in New York, Jazz à Luz, Manchester Jazz festival, Marsden Jazz Festival, Out Front, etc.

Following training as a professional photographer, he completed a fine arts degree (Sheffield Hallam University) where he worked on video and sound installations.

Hervé’s research approaches sound as vibration, the relation between sound and objects or spaces, architecture and the body.

His use of field recordings and sound design is concerned with frequencies and harmonic relationships found in nature, how they relate to the physical world, and how the sounds of natural elements connect to our own resonances.

He has developed a very personal way to process and sculpt location recordings to reveal their musical features and maximise resonance with the listener and their experience of sound.

With a focus on collaboration and the immediacy of live work, Hervé has performed with artists whose practice is immersed in free improvisation and jazz, closely working with Mick Beck (sax, bassoon), Martin Archer (winds, el.), Peter Fairclough (drums), Philip Thomas (piano), Jez Riley-French (el.), Ian Simpson (el.), Charlie Collins (drums), Walt Shaw (el, perc), Constantin Popp (live processing, diffusion), Shaun Blezzard (electro), etc. in the UK

And also Michel Doneda (sop sax), Jonas Kocher (accordion), Simon Berz (dr, el.), Rodolphe Loubatiere (dr), d’Incise (el, objects), Cyril Bondi (dr), Heddy Boubaker (sax), Cia Barbet (dance), Joe Formanek (dr, el), Roger Mills (trumpet, el), Henri Herteman (p, trombone), Guy Bayssac (dr), Marin Beranger (p), Mark Alban Lotz (fl) etc. in Europe.

On acoustic instruments, hervé moves freely between abstract sounds and harmonic work, influenced by contemporary music, minimalism, noise, jazz and the practice of free improvisation.

He currently practices creative ways to develop musical narratives in improvisation. looking at both theoretical and practical approaches to music and performance, he has developed a method to weave melodic or harmonic paths in order to navigate outside of established structures, while maintaining a sense of evolving melody.

photographs for promoters:

sounding out summer 2018

 

 

 

This year started off with a surprise find. Hidden away just outside Wakefield centre, in the midst of a leafy street, this superb building has a welcoming lightness and such inspiring acoustics. St Austin has a calming effect with slightly subdued gentle tones, but quickly, my playing felt fluid and free.

Onto the next series, during a visit that took me from mid-Wales, near the border, to the much loved Snowdonia and the north coast.
Wigmore village church was a pleasant start, with exciting explorations of different musical territories. With each new season, i notice changes in my playing, and with each new location, new stories unfold.

The tracks presented here offer a range of buildings, each with its own architectural style, distinctive sound, and its own character. I hope the music pays tribute to the individual atmosphere of the places i visit. Perhaps some of the highlights may be the recordings from Harlech, during a lunchtime visit. A calm haven in a busy touristic area, bright and light, gently powerful. In Barmouth, a majestic presence at the top of the hill has a stilling effect. The sound is not as wide as one would expect for a building this size, but the wooden interior gives warmth and character.

And finally, it was such a pleasure to visit Gwydir Uchaf chapel again. A small humble interior with deep colours; the painted ceiling and the wooden furniture added richness, and the feel of the place snatched me from the present into a distant past.

High on my list, i really enjoyed visiting the grand, and beautiful Cathedral Cave. This time, i was there in the middle of the day. There was a very different vibe to my previous visits. There were a few people around, but i caught a quiet stretch when i could revisit the immersive feel and get lost in the palpable, thick presence of the place. Diving into the long tails and surround splashes of sounds reflected by the many facets of raw rock. Soft bounces all around, gentle mist hanging in mid air. Single tones gliding slowly across the emptiness. This place always has such a strong effect on me.

This post presents quite a range of locations, unlike others that focus on a particular area, but it is an opportunity to reflect on and listen deeply to the distinctive characters of architectural spaces. I hope you enjoy visiting them with me.

counting steps to happiness
alto saxophone, 04 june 2018
st austin, wakefield

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the space in between
alto saxophone, 04 june 2018
st austin, wakefield

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in the arms of wisdom
alto saxophone, 04 june 2018
st austin, wakefield

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high tide
alto saxophone, 19 august 2018
cathedral cave

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shimmers
alto saxophone, 19 august 2018
cathedral cave

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slow drip
alto saxophone, 19 august 2018
cathedral cave

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rock facets
alto saxophone, 19 august 2018
cathedral cave

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circle of angels
alto saxophone, 11 august 2018
gwydir uchaf chapel, llanrwst

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round the labyrinth
alto saxophone, 11 august 2018
gwydir uchaf chapel, llanrwst

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becoming
alto saxophone, 08 august 2018
st tanwgs, harlech

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lantern on the path
alto saxophone, 08 august 2018
st tanwgs, harlech

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net of views
alto saxophone, 08 august 2018
st tanwgs, harlech

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across the water
alto saxophone, 07 august 2018
st johns, barmouth

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flutter of wings
alto saxophone, 07 august 2018
st johns, barmouth

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slow clouds
alto saxophone, 07 august 2018
st johns, barmouth

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blue above
alto saxophone, 05 august 2018
holy trinity, much wenlock

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slanted light
alto saxophone, 05 august 2018
holy trinity, much wenlock

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wanderer
alto saxophone, 05 august 2018
holy trinity, much wenlock

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curtain crease
alto saxophone, 02 august 2018
st james, wigmore

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undergrowth
alto saxophone, 02 august 2018
st james, wigmore

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taking the castle
alto saxophone, 02 august 2018
st james, wigmore

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sounding out scotland – coda

 

 

 

Clachan church

is situated in an amazing setting, along a stunning coastline, splendid views on applecross that are both twee and very wild. The church is slightly tucked away and usually quiet. it feels welcoming and cold at the same time. there is something about the very plain design and open empty space that is very attractive in its simplicity. similarly, the sound is ample and yet restrained. there is a comfortable resonance with enough sustain and yet not too much tail which allows for a different type of playing. the surfaces are mainly wood which absorbs a lot of vibrations and makes the sound warm in spite of the plain hard surfaces of the space.

by the time i get to this place, my saxophone has accompanied me on the road and, once again, is in need of TLC. and yet, in spite of this, the place is always stirring and the focus it inspires allows me to overcome the technical difficulties. so, like last time i was here, even if the sax sounds a little raw, and the overtones are a little thin… i always like the outcome produced by such a gentle and stimulating environment. and after a deep and relaxing meditation, the second wave of recording is even more inspired and energetic:

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converging inversions
alto saxophone, 30 august 2017
clachan church, applecross, scotland

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a group of young deer
2.1 shakuhachi, 30 august 2017
clachan church, applecross, scotland

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renewed horizon
alto saxophone, 30 august 2017
clachan church, applecross, scotland

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infinite space
alto saxophone, 30 august 2017
clachan church, applecross, scotland

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ragged coastline
alto saxophone, 30 august 2017
clachan church, applecross, scotland

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Cathedral Cave

it is with great pleasure that i complete this series and my journey by a short stop in the lake district. it does feel like returning home, but there is another treat in line, and this is the absolutely staggering presence of cathedral cave. it’s pretty dark by the time i arrive, and it is definitely empty and quiet, although strange and distant noises inhabit the valley.

from the very first sound, the rich ambiance and impressive character of the reverb envelops me, and carry me in suspension. deep absorption.

expanding.

space.

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prajna
alto saxophone, 02 september 2017
cathedral cave

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this, is
alto saxophone, 02 september 2017
cathedral cave

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the maze
alto saxophone, 02 september 2017
cathedral cave

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sounding out scotland – smoo cave 2017

 

 

This year’s visit of Scotland continues north. Along a tiny beat up single track road across land we join the round tour of Eribol and its majestic scenery. Soon enough arriving in Durness, the sky heavy and textured, i settle into the place sitting on top of the hill by the bunkhouse. My meditation is sprinkled with a few drops while waiting for the right time to set off. By the time I get to Smoo, it is raining heavily and the amount of water that has fallen this season is reflected in the flow of the cascade in the next chamber. I am surprised by the deafening roar of the waterfall coming through into the main part of the cave and concerned it will take most of the sound away. Still, Smoo cave never disappoints and its cathedral like reverberation shines through the sound of crashing water.

There is a very different vibe here than last time i visited. It is certainly more intense and while i am playing one of the long pieces, i can hear the water fall becoming more present and my playing reflects the chaotic flow. There is still that sweet spot when i stand with my feet right in the little brook in the middle of the cave, that inspires gentle sounds, but overall, this session is flowing stronger as i have to compete with the loudness of the water.

 

On the second day, i return at dusk for another recording and there are still a few visitors wandering in and out even though the light is rapidly dropping. I take a few videos that turned out to be mostly a play of shadows (these can be found on vimeo). The dampness hanging in the air makes it more difficult for the saxophone, but i still enjoy playing this amazing space. Among the visits, a couple with an infant who seems to be very alert and interested by the music. As evening falls, the cave gets quieter and i play on for a while reminiscing of a day walking miles to a sandy bay and returning in heavy rain. That night was clear though, and camping on the very coast with the tent facing the great big north was quite something.

 

 

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sitting on a hill
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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alternance 1
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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unyielding
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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turning point
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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as many atoms cascading
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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plato’s play of shadows
alto saxophone, 24 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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eddies and rocks
alto saxophone, 25 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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short turnover
alto saxophone, 25 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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as many stars spinning
alto saxophone, 25 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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rain dramatic
alto saxophone, 25 august 2017
smoo cave, scotland

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sounding out scotland – north west coast 2017

 

 

A visit to Scotland was long due. And this is my favourite area. The trip took us from north west coast sea lines through wild moors and lochs to the very northern point. This post however will focus on a specific section of the western coastline, following the path of the steam train – the jacobites.

The first stop was in Arisaig. A large church towering above the town with a view – tucked between green suburbs and a road out to the sea front.
The very high ceiling and wide open space inside the church made a strong impression and it was like stepping out into space. The slow sound inside was indeed very stilling. A single bell marks a warm welcome and the improvisation flows.
When giving tracks titles, one in particular reminded me of an experience i had nearby meditating on the rocks overlooking the sea. so i chose an image i took that day of a view over to Skye with the sun setting over the calm water.

In the harbour town of Mallaig, i found a shelter from the day for a short exploration of this small church on the edge of town. It was like stepping into the 70’s. Both amusing and welcoming, i felt at home in the cosy carpeted warmth. And nudged into motion by the nearby steam train parked at the station and some building works, i let the saxophone sound out this clear close space.

The next stop was the church at Morar. The place looked cosy, but the vibe of the place was not quite right and the space was not responding. I played for a while but could not get into it, and the sax felt raw. So i did not stay for meditation and instead moved on to a more welcoming location.

For contrast, i returned to Arisaig and bathed in that grand space. After a sweet meditation, i revisited the acoustics. A different day, a different light and still the wonderful immersive stillness was very inspiring.

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first bell
alto saxophone, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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forest of peaks
alto saxophone, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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silent silver sea
alto saxophone, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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open skies
alto saxophone, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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a gentle descent
alto saxophone, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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interlude
2.1 hochiku shakuhachi, 22 august 2017
arisaig church

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steamline
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
mallaig church

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white orbs and billows
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
mallaig church

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contrary measures
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
morar church

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counter currents
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
morar church

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slow rise
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
arisaig church

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a raft in the other shore
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
arisaig church

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mixed feelings
alto saxophone, 23 august 2017
arisaig church

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sounding out north yorkshire moors

 

The first stop for this trip was Lastingham. A beautiful village with a splendid church, opening onto the North Yorkshire moors.

The exploration of this church started with the usual meditation: A timely break from the summer heat, enjoying the fresh and quiet space. The meditation was both gentle and strong. Constructive.

From the first notes, the space reveals its understated richness. the dome and arches gently roll the sound into a perfect resonating sustain. never overwhelming, always enriching each phrase, inspiring pastoral calm and devotional entrain with a certain degree of adventurous reverence. ’tis just poetry for the jazzer’s ears.

Lost in sound and in rapture of the moment, i spend over an hour improvising along the accidental local birds, the punctuation of quarterly bells and the whispers of stones who have lived long.

 

After some time along the coast, drawing inspiration from the tides and the sea breeze, the journey continues onto another location i had visited a long time ago. Here also, it is this first time i connect to this place with the alto saxophone, and the latest addition to my panoply of instruments, some home made shakuhachi.

Lady Chapel is in a wonderful remote location overlooking the valley. Tucked in the trees and greenery, it is an intensely quiet place. Always open and welcoming, the remoteness of the place, it’s short reverb time, seem to inspire more intense playing. Something like the spirit of gospel, in the tradition of John Coltrane’s stream, a breathless flow of spirited harmony.

What i mean is that with no less reverence to the place, here i feel i can experiment more and move away from a traditional harmonic approach. A perfect opportunity to try out structural playing. Merging symmetrical harmonic shapes which flow into a self-generating narrative, always moving, always morphing.

For the last few minutes, i enjoy another moment of suspended quiet. An opportunity to try out some shakuhachi i made, gradually tweaking and tuning the bamboo until i find the right balance. I seem to be close now, although the instruments respond differently outdoors than at home.

Here, the 2.85 feels a little rough, and some of the notes catch a little. However, both the latter and the smaller 2.1 are sounding pretty good. And some phrases, listening back to the recordings, sound like the real thing. On one track, i even venture some multiphonics and high overtones – which are quite difficult to hold on the shakuhachi. Little by little, and every time i record something, i feel i made a little progress. It is difficult to put the saxophone down at times, but with more practice and more dedication on carrying the shaks, i probably could come up with some interesting exploration of natural acoustics in the near future.

In the meantime, you will find below tracks recorded in the two places described above. I hope you enjoy listening to those documents, as much as i enjoyed listening to the stories of the places i visit.

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topography of moor lands
alto saxophone, 17 june 2017
lastingham church

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dome and arches
alto saxophone, 17 june 2017
lastingham church

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summer sun on the moors
alto saxophone, 17 june 2017
lastingham church

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refuge in the coolness of the crypt
alto saxophone, 17 june 2017
lastingham church

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stellar scalene
alto saxophone, 19 june 2017
lastingham church

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acute pastoralis
alto saxophone, 19 june 2017
lastingham church

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coastal path
2.85 shakuhachi, 19 june 2017
lastingham church

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coming tide
2.85 shakuhachi, 19 june 2017
lastingham church

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returning
2.1 shakuhachi, 19 june 2017
lastingham church

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