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
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
The Peak District on my doorstep, it is easy to nip out and see so much beauty. A little further afield, the limestone valleys offer a different type of landscape. i don’t often go that far and so missed the area and decided to return to known places, in the south peaks.
It was wet in wetton. Storm was on the menu, and it did not disappoint. But first, in the day, it was really hot and sunny. Walking up the hills was fairly taxing and many people were out swimming in the rivers.
By the evening, the distant lightning provided a spectacular display; with stars above, flashes lit up gorgeous cloud formations. The flashes were relentless, it was like watching fireworks and the storm being so distant, it was completely silent. Quite a surreal scene. And it took a while for the rain to arrive. And here too, it did not disappoint.
Another magic moment, in the morning, from a nearby bridge, i watched the empty and dry river bed fill up with rain water that slowly had filtered throught the limestone and started flowing, making this most amazing trickle sound, like pebbles coming to life.
But let’s rewind a little to the end of the day, after a wonderful walk in blazing sunshire, and as the weather was slowly turning, i climbed into the imposive stature of Thor’s Cave. Possibly due to the radiant weather, and also to a long period of lockdown, i found the area more busy than usual, and it was a while until there was a quiet moment. i had time to enjoy the golden glowing of slanting light that came into the cave from the side opening. Taking the time to get back in touch with the space i once knew well (a scroll through previous sounding out recordings will show many visits to this site), i could get into the vibe and ready for some improvisation.
As soon as i got the saxophone out and sounded out a few notes into the space, to warm up, the music started to flow. At the end of the session, as the light was diminishing, a single wood pigeon was singing outside the entrance of the cave. I picked up the melody and recorded one last piece.
the fifth step
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
thor’s cave
shadow theatre
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
thor’s cave
spin the riff
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
thor’s cave
the wood pigeon song
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
thor’s cave
After a little break, i continued on down the valley, to a tunnel of incredible property. The sound there is just outstanding. After playing in the cave, my lips were starting to tire, but i could not help sending a few notes spinning down that long tube a watch the frequencies merge. Each set of notes shimmers in its own way, creating further overtones, bending notes to align with the tunnel resonance. I could have played triads forever, just listening to the long tail slowly fade. With circular breathing, the tones eventually blend into a mass of sound that slowly modulates overtones. This place has always been a treat.
infinite
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
swainsley tunnel
merger
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
swainsley tunnel
scats o’long tails
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
swainsley tunnel
dark skies ahead
alto saxophone, 11 august 2020
swainsley tunnel
On the second day, i wanted to go back to the cave and record some more, explore different textures. I am not sure if the deliberate approach was wise, in any case, i could not really force any ideas as is usually true with this project. I just had to go with the flow. And on that second day, the vibe was quite different. There were many distractions and it took quite a while for things to settle down, and even while playing, there were a few interruptions. Still, even though i found it more difficult to get into the zone, some interesting material came out. And indeed, the results were more high energy flow and abstract than the first session which was predominently melodic. In places like this, i find the vibe and the music that comes out a lot more free and raw than in churches, for obvious reasons.
another round
alto saxophone, 12 august 2020
thor’s cave
bustle in the valley
alto saxophone, 12 august 2020
thor’s cave
waltzing wood in the wind
alto saxophone, 12 august 2020
thor’s cave
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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a new set of churches in north yorkshire. three different types of architecture. three moods. and it is also the first time i use a saxophone new to me. a yamaha soprano 475 that will prove to sound pretty sweet. and a nice complement to my usual alto explorations.
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the word
alto saxophone, 01 sept 2014
st martins, allerton mauleverer, north yorkshire
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inverted perspective
alto saxophone, 01 sept 2014
st martins, allerton mauleverer, north yorkshire
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last of the summer light
alto saxophone, 01 sept 2014
st martins, allerton mauleverer, north yorkshire
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shades of green
alto saxophone, 01 sept 2014
christ the consoler, newby
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through the thick
alto saxophone, 01 sept 2014
christ the consoler, newby
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growing wings
soprano saxophone, 01 sept 2014
christ the consoler, newby
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third view
alto saxophone, 31 august 2014
holy trinity, coverham
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fractal friction
alto saxophone, 31 august 2014
holy trinity, coverham
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first outing
soprano saxophone, 31 august 2014
holy trinity, coverham
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below is a series of recordings which explore areas of the peak district
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split second
alto saxophone, 14 june 2014
ilam church, derbyshire
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for yibo
alto saxophone, 14 june 2014
ilam church, derbyshire
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yibo and the birds
alto saxophone with yibo hu, voice, 14 june 2014
thor’s cave, peak district
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back to base
soprano saxophone, 10 may 2014
st mary’s church, bolsterstone
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tracking shots
soprano saxophone, 10 may 2014
st mary’s church, bolsterstone
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study in blue
alto saxophone, 03 may 2014
st martin’s church, stoney middleton
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closing time
alto saxophone, 03 may 2014
st martin’s church, stoney middleton
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wild orchids
alto saxophone, 03 may 2014
st martin’s church, stoney middleton
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rolling hills
alto saxophone, 29 march 2014
pike watts memorial, ilam church
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blossoms
alto saxophone, 29 march 2014
pike watts memorial, ilam church
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night train
alto saxophone, 29 march 2014
pike watts memorial, ilam church
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for the first time in years, i returned to france. the visit was short and i had to cram many things in. music, of course, was one of them. i met with friends and reconnected with some of the projects i had in the past. i even managed to play live as my friend heddy very kindly invited me to perform a solo at his venue la maison peinte. this was my first solo (on wind instruments) and first time i played the shakuhachi in public.
another part of this trip was to travel with a friend to the mountains and replenish with the pyrenées’ powerful energy and fresh air. walks in the hills, meditation on powerful peaks, near cascades and mountain chapels were all on the menu. and i had quite a feast.
this was also an opportunity to find new locations to record. i came across some real gems, often found by chance.
after hours of travel, the day was drawing to an end. it was time for meditation and a storm was brewing. the road winding up the mountain finally led to an isolated village. and just in time, i found a delightful little church to take shelter. i played a few pieces there, inspired by the rich atmosphere, the subtle and gentle feel of the place and a backdrop of storm, cows and birds that populated the area.
some other places i already knew, but it was a great pleasure to revisit the aude country.
after a swim in the cold river at the bottom of the canyon, i had a special moment in the chapel built in st antoine’s cave. the hermitage de galamus is charged with the wisdom of monks who lived there before the cave was turned into a chapel.
although it is considered a tourist attraction, the place has kept a genuine feel and it is a pleasure to visit and spend time there.
many thanks to the attendant who was very keen to chat about the place and tell some interesting stories. and mostly, as he was interested in my project after seeing i was carrying a large saxophone case on my back… he very kindly invited me to play in the cave. i did not even need to ask. and it was a real treat.
closer to home, there are two churches that i knew and yet had never played in. these turned out to be quite a surprise. in st sardos village, the church is dark and cold. it seems very uninviting at first but the massive building has a very special reverb. it is quite overwhelming and very colourful. once tamed, the sound is just grand.
on the way to play a solo gig near toulouse, i stopped in verdun sur garonne. i knew this place from before. although the town is not very big, the church is very impressive, with gorgeous paintings, statues and a deep blue saturated colour covering the whole place. this is the place of st michael whose sword cuts the ties of ignorance. a large statue in a corner of the church inspires awe (see picture). it is with utmost reverence that i started to play a very pared down and soulful improvisation… and what turns out to be a favourite, very inspired, deep and infused piece.
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sur le chemin du retour
abbatiale de vigeois
limousin
soprano saxophone, 11 june 2012
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tous ces non dits
église de verdun
tarn et garonne
soprano saxophone, 08 june 2012
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sabre vérité
église de verdun
tarn et garonne
soprano saxophone, 08 june 2012
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paysage imaginaire
église de st sardos
tarn et garonne
1.95 shakuhachi improvisation, 07 june 2012
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paysage retrouvé
église de st sardos
tarn et garonne
soprano saxophone improvisation, 07 june 2012
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paysage lointain
église de st sardos
tarn et garonne
1.95 shakuhachi, 06 june 2012
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a candle for st antoine
hermitage de galamus
pays de l’aude
1.95 shakuhachi improvisation, 01 june 2012
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a gentle light in the water
hermitage de galamus
pays de l’aude
soprano saxophone improvisation, 01 june 2012
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the coucou song
hermitage de galamus
pays de l’aude
soprano saxophone improvisation, 01 june 2012
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sortie de classe
chapelle ste marie de belloc
dorres, pyrénées
soprano saxophone improvisation, 29 may 2012
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silence en montagne
chapelle ste marie de belloc
dorres, pyrénées
soprano saxophone improvisation, 29 may 2012
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en attendant l’orage
église d’arquizat
ariège
soprano saxophone improvisation, 25 may 2012
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recherche d’un abri
église d’arquizat
ariège
soprano saxophone improvisation, 25 may 2012
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pour la fermeture
église de st girons
ariège
1.95 shakuhachi improvisation, 25 may 2012
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entre deux
église de bruniquel
tarn et garonne
1.95 shakuhachi improvisation, 18 may 2012
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with the new year, this project is picking up intensity. some old favourites i keep revisiting, but also many new locations. going further afield and searching for new types of places:
derelict halls and remnants of the decaying bourgeoisie, arty places, urban explorers heaven, caves and quarries. i was even heard battling it with a fog horn – and a distinct echo from the thick mist. and of course, sneaking in the odd cathedral just can’t be missed.
these recordings take on new dimensions as i develop further a relation to the spaces i explore both physically and sonically.
i hope you enjoy this new season of recordings. more very soon, this time in a different country… i have been working on my latest escapades and there are many exciting tracks to come. so keep your eyes peeled and your ears to the ground
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dressing the table of offerings
ilam church
derbyshire
1.95 shakuhachi, 15 april 2012
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meditation for cs
james turrel installation, deer park
yorkshire sculpture park
1.95 shakuhachi, 28 march 2012
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les alouettes
ilam church
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 24 march 2012
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a battle of horns one cannot win
portland lighthouse
dorset
soprano saxophone, 15 march 2012
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fog country
fontmell magna church
dorset
soprano saxophone, 14 march 2012
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rocks and sea breeze
winspit caves
dorset
soprano saxophone, 14 march 2012
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mirrors
over haddon church
peak district
soprano saxophone, 21 february 2012
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chasing lines in the water
over haddon church
peak district
soprano saxophone, 21 february 2012
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what the wind brings
little longstone church
derbyshire
1.95 shakuhachi, 13 february 2012
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a headless woman
sutton scarsdale hall
sutton scarsdale
soprano saxophone, 12 february 2012
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a spark amidst the darkness
citadel of hope
sheffield
soprano saxophone, 07 february 2012
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within the walls
citadel of hope
sheffield
soprano saxophone, 07 february 2012
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chapter house
lincoln cathedral
peak district
1.95 shakuhachi, 01 february 2012
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over the years, this project has taken me to great places across the country, ‘sounding out’ many sites from caves to forests, natural formations and churches alike. but, close to home, there are many locations that i keep returning to. some old favourites, and some amazing treats of both natural and designed acoustics.
below is a series of recordings which explore areas of the peak district
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du bout de la pensée
ilam church
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 30 september 2011
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late visit
dovecote tunnel
peak district
soprano saxophone, 30 september 2011
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leaves on the ground, autumn swirls
thor’s cave
peak district
soprano saxophone, 29 september 2011
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change of season
tideswell cathedral
peak district
soprano saxophone, 02 september 2011
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clearing
ilam church
peak district
1.95 shakuhachi, 02 september 2011
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terrace with a view
birchover hermit caves
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 10 july 2011
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room to breathe
birchover hermit cave
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 10 july 2011
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for mehata
swainsley tunnel
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 31 may 2011
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escalade
swainsley tunnel
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 31 may 2011
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marking time
norbury church
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 09 may 2011
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ode to a dog and a plastic bottle
thor’s cave
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 08 may 2011
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le héron bleu
alstonefield church
derbyshire
soprano saxophone, 04 april 2011
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sounding out the peak district.
by now, all sense of self has dissolved. i am immersed in the raw energy of the place. sounds flow out in the light. there is no style, no scale, no tuning, no wish…
Thor’s cave – coda from sndsukinspook on Vimeo.
Thor’s cave – coda
hervé perez, soprano saxophone, may 2009
nexttime studio 