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

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sukhavati Sutra nt004

Fourth in the series of nexTTime production releases is a collaboration with Buddhist friend Suvarnagarbha.

I am very pleased to be sharing this recording which is the culmination of much work done together. This collaboration has been very exciting from the beginning and has taken many forms. For the first time, we are exploring buddhist texts, and i think this is the point where we really are touching on something great.

Suvarnagarbha’s narration is as ever splendid and inspires me to accompany the text with mininalist electronics, and electroacoustic soundscapes. This translation of the traditional text was prepared especially for the performance which took place at the Sheffield Buddhist Centre on 23 february 2019.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garden of Secrets nt003/Discus97

This third release from the new nexTTime production site is a collaboration with multi instrumentalist Alexandru Hegyesi.

This is our second collaboration, and i wanted to use a similar compositional process, build upon previous material, and yet end up with totally different results.

Still, using techniques of electroacoustic music, processing and sound design, i wanted to have more of an immediate feel for this album, to create music that could be played by a live band, and this involved more complex arrangements of instruments as well as electronic sources and samples. There is even some beats programming and percussion, voice samples but mostly, more prominence for sections freely improvised.

 

This time, as well as receiving a range of recordings from Alex with his wonderful performance on instruments such as dulcimer, gusla, Bavarian zither, prepared chord-harp, psaltery, prepared cymbalum (see album page for an impressive comprehensive list)… i directed some of the playing, or requested pieces in a particular key etc in order to fit in with compositional ideas, harmonically but also texturally, using extended techniques and focusing on sound and grain.

The process of producing and composing this album was much more complex than our first collaboration, and this relied less on digital ‘sculpture’, and instead, focused on layered arrangements of multiple sources.

The result is quite varied and represents many stylistic approaches based around sections of improvised music, including jazz, avant-folk, noise, prog and hopefully, you will find more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

sounding out scotland 2019 pt 2

 

The journey through Scotland continues along the west coast in a weather that reminds you how wild this place can get. The beautiful scenery can very rapidly become threatening and one feels much exposed.

I much awaited visiting this next location again. The church in Arisaig is such a wonderful space with grand acoustics. The weather has been beating the coast and i feel my general mood is not quite making the most of this incredible place. Time will tell, perhaps the music turns out better, but at the time i felt i was not quite in tune and the flow did not quite transport me. I decided to take a break and walk around the space. The mood turned when, at the back of the church i encountered a statue that reminded me of the figurehead of boats. The woman depicted here is guided by a star and seems to be raising the spirit through turbulent water. The thought had a profound effect on me and i felt the deep sadness of families that await as waves and wild weather beat the shore, expecting the boats that never returned. Those claimed by the sea have a hidden presence along this coast. I felt it all here, and the last piece i played, at the edge of tears, starts at the back of the church, slowly moving forward with each repetition of a gentle melodic motif, interspersed with waves and runs. This incredible experience came to a stop as the church bell ominously rang on the last long note of the piece. This was it. I had touched on the story of that place and sat in silence.

Another old favourite, on Applecross, this plain chapel is all wood and gentle resonance. Inside feels like a warm(ish) shelter from the wild elements out there. This recording was made in two sessions and the second take in the morning was cut short by rising waters that threatened to take over all exits. The drive over the pass was epic with incredibly powerful torrents forcing their way under bridges and overflowing banks. But before this, we barely made it through the tracks and the road that had turned into a lake.

So this session again is tainted by turmoil and turbulent water. And this chapel has a certain quality that encourages a free flowing explosion of energy. Inspired by the rain that did not quite fall as much as headbutt the ground and the beaten rocks, the music barges and sways, turns and thrashes through a whole range of moods. There is some redemption in the madness of the elements, but the suspension is short lived. Notes splatter and crash-splash percussively then power-flow forcefully, tortured with split tones and gnarling blows forced through the saxophone. A single bird soars its pretty song and we are straight back in the maelstrom.

This place simply never disappoints – it has always been a highlight of my sonic explorations. And the music feels freer, what this place inspires is just something else.

 

 

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dusk falling on a calm sea
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st mary, arisaig

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slow silver sky
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st mary, arisaig

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as rain beats those ragged rocks
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st mary, arisaig

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those of the sea
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st mary, arisaig

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broody approach
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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maelrubha and the waves
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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all sails
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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hail all saints
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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maelrubha’s prayer
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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a steady rain pulsed through the night
alto saxophone, 29 august 2019
clachan church, applecross

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sounding out scotland 2019

 

 

Sounding Out continues in summer 2019 visiting areas of Scotland. After a compulsory stop at Samye Ling, a much loved break in the trip for extended meditation and rituals, the journey continued through Dumfires and Galloway visiting areas unknown both by the sea and through forestry.

The odd explorations of stone towers with resonant cellars met my home made 2.4 shakuhachi, but the first significant experience of Sounding Out was in the artist town of Kirkcudbright where i found a small church hidden in the back streets. Its peaceful simplicity inspired a very melodic approach, gentle and elevated.

The pace picked up with the powerful energy of movement and change which i found in the area of Kilmartin. Walking along loch Awe was a wonderful experience of old pine forests and rushing water. Down in the valley, carved rocks mark an ancient spirituality and the church in the middle of the valley has retained some of the spirit. It is old and quite run down. Tourists ebb and flow, constantly drawing an energy of change and yet, there is something timeless here. In between visitors, the music flows freely to the bright resonance and spirals with the ancient art i have seen.

Moving now to the well loved scenery of the west coast, i return to Mallaig and find this lovely pink church open this time. I jump on the occasion and start playing to the background sounds of a steam train and children playing. This harbour town is simple but attractive. Well worth a visit just for the sense pleasure of freshly baked bread and a pizza lunch overlooking the water. The small chapel on the hill is similarly basic but very pretty. There is a playfulness here that inspires abstract extended techniques and angular harmonic flow. I move freely between modalities and mix sounds at times contemplative, at times firing fast.

 

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pastel prose
alto saxophone, 21 august 2019
st cuthbert, kirkcudbright

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in artist town
alto saxophone, 21 august 2019
st cuthbert, kirkcudbright

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spirals and cups
alto saxophone, 24 august 2019
kilmartin church

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amongst the peaks
alto saxophone, 24 august 2019
kilmartin church

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dance of the moving wheels
alto saxophone, 24 august 2019
kilmartin church

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a spot of pink on the cold hill
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st columba’s, mallaig

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steam train
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st columba’s, mallaig

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changing the scene
alto saxophone, 27 august 2019
st columba’s, mallaig

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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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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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Sukhavati Sutra

a reading of the Sukhavati Sutra

live performance with spoken word and electroacoustic improvisation

Suvarnagarbha (voice)
Hervé Perez (laptop – field recordings, sound design, live processing – shakuhachi, bowls and bells)

Sheffield Buddhist Centre, 23 feb 2019