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…

 

the hanged swordsman nt007

Let’s go back in time to have a look at early electronic compositions as release number seven in the series of nexTTime production.

This album marks a significant turning point in my work in sound design, digital processing, composition and approach to sound in general. I was still working on a pc at the time and focused all my efforts in sculpting sounds, often using a single source or limited amount of material to create an entire piece.

For example, the opening track is made from a single short sample from Kenneth Kirschner, inspired by a competition organised by Deupree’s 12K label following the release of seminal work post piano. Unessentialists and minimalism has been an important inspiration and yet, I am very much interested in texture, harmony and spectral composition, and in this case, getting deep into the textural and timbral quality of the sounds I used.

Often unrecognisable, the sound sources are still very present, and inform the nature of the compositions. The last piece is another example, with limited source samples recorded in a derelict mill in the peak district. I spent a lot of time in the area taking photos. Soon after, the mill was restored and now has been transformed into luxury accommodations. And yet I cannot help thinking about the many children who died there, working in awful conditions. I think this place has always kept a very weird vibe.

The track diamond is made from guitar samples and the title describes the process the original sounds went through to emerge as they are now.
Cell Breakdown was the soundtrack used for a video installation, diffused in a reverberant gallery space when I was studying at art school.

I am pleased to share this work now, and hope you enjoy its documentary value and its significance in relation to influential electronic music.

Milarepa and Rechungpa nt006

The fantastic stories and songs of Milarepa continue with release number six in the series of nexTTime production new label.

The relationship between the wise guru Milarepa and his main disciple Rechungpa is difficult to say the least. This very poignant and touching story details how their relationship evolves, and there are many opportunities for deep teachings and thus wisdom abounds. This is possibly the most intense, and intensely rich of this collaboration with Suvarnagarbha, our highest achievement in weaving spoken word and electroacoustic narratives that support each other without necessarily examplifying or mimicking.

This is a stunning performances that sustains incredible energy and focus throughout and pays much respect to the absolutely incredible stories that unfold.

We hope that this will bring much benefit and enjoyment to the listener.

 

The live performance took place at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 12 october 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Songs of Milarepa nt005

Building on the stregth of the collaboration with Suvarnagarbha, this fifth release in the series of nexTTime production explores the songs and stories of Milarepa.

Here, Milarepa uses wits and wisdom to battle demons and spirits. And of course, Suvarnagarbha’s impressive translation of the text and perfect delivery underlines the humour that balances the tensions in this compelling narrative.

The music is mostly improvised, apart from some short composed sequences that were prepared in advance to provide a contrast between significant songs and the flow of the narration.

Electroacoustic and experimental electronics, this piece is as eventful and it gets (for the accompaniment of Bhuddist texts…) and features broken beats, glitch electronics and granular randomness as well as more ambient spectral sections. Meditation bowls and bells are augmented with the addition of shakuhachi, and even saxophone appears in places to support the changes in mood of this amazing text.

 

The live performance took place at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 15 june 2019.