Warning: Declaration of Suffusion_MM_Walker::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth, $args) should be compatible with Walker_Nav_Menu::start_el(&$output, $item, $depth = 0, $args = Array, $id = 0) in /home/theatr23/public_html/wp-content/themes/suffusion/library/suffusion-walkers.php on line 39
Jun 272010
 

Today’s podcast is Degenerates, the 25th podcast and 4th episode of the WRVU era — originally broadcast December 2nd, 2007.   The players are William Davis from Oh No It’s Howard; Cody Bottoms from The Manpower, A Parade, and more; Paul Cain; and myself.  Jacob Riley also contributed some sounds via phone.  I did the live mixing, editing, and mastering.

The theme of Degenerates is. . . you guessed it. .  . degeneration.  We recorded samples and  copied them through multiple generations.  We ran them through multiple passes of distortion.   We wanted to see how far we could use and abuse sounds.  The result is one of the nastiest, dingiest, dirtiest sounding shows we’ve ever done; it’s also one of our best.

If you like our show, spread the word by telling your friends, sharing on your favorite social networking sites, and leaving us feedback on iTunes.  Here’s Degenerates.

May 232010
 

This week’s podcast is Episode 21: Angry Beavers, originally broadcast live on WRVU Nashville November 18th 2007 — the third show of the WRVU era.  Angry Beavers stars Paul Cain on laced guitar; Cody Bottoms on Boss 202 Dr. Groove, Korg Electribe, Voice, and Toy Keyboard; William Davis aka Oh No It’s Howard on Laptop and Toy Keyboard; Melody Holt on Jen Analog Synth near end of show; and myself on Jen analog synth.

Angry Beavers was the first show of the WRVU era where things really started to click.  Listening back today, I’m surprised how cohesive it all sounds – at least as cohesive as an rhythmless, distorted, experimental improv can be.  Check it out and see if you agree.  If you like the show, tell a friend and leave us a review on iTunes.

Subscribe via iTunes

Apr 262010
 

It was November 4th, 2007, and I stood in the WRVU on-air studios with a few friends, laying out slide whistles, balloons, air pianos, and other instruments for the evening’s improv.  Theatre Intangible was about to do its second WRVU live improv, On Air, a treatise on . . . erm . . . air, made exclusively on air instruments (get it?).  This show stars Cody Bottoms and Lola Wilson from A Parade, Gordon Roque, Melody Holt, and myself.  This show is particularly haunting, due in large part to Lola’s bellowing, enigmatic vocal air instrument.  Last year, we did an “On Air Volume 2.”  Look for that episode on this podcast very soon.  For now, here’s the original.  Enjoy.

Feb 152010
 

I know that I have a habit of saying each show is my favorite . . . but really now, this show IS my favorite thus far.  Doublebass avant-jazz artist Thomas Helton joined us for an improv with ~ORE~ regulars Lawrence Crow, Charlie Rauh, and Craig Schenker.  Because Thomas was only here for one day, we pre-recorded this episode in my basement 10 days before the original WRVU air date of June 21st, 2009.  Consequently, it’s the first show where the players were at least a little soused.  (Charlie now loves Hopslam beer.)   We didn’t have a theme per say, just the cues to play texturally and in ways the instruments weren’t necessarily made for.  This happened to be a strong suit for every one of the players.  This show is a textbook example of musicians playing experimental music musically and LISTENING to each other.  Helton on doublebass, Crow on violin and detuned autoharp, Rauh on guitar, Schenker on flute and saxophone.

Lawrence Crow just released a new album, and you can download it for free at his website.  I’ll be reviewing the album on this blog very soon.  

Thomas Helton’s bio from his web site:

For 15 years Thomas Helton has laid down basslines for jazz ensembles in Houston and around the US. He has appeared  at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and has recorded with Joe LoCascio, Carol Morgan, Chris Connolly, Smitty, Kevin Patton, & Cindy Scott.
Thomas brings all of his passion and experience for jazz to the table when it comes to his other half, avant-garde music. Early in his jazz career, Thomas was inspired by the sounds of John Zorn and Peter Kowald to venture outside mainstream musical bounds. This journey began with the Rosta Jazz Avengers, a Houston-based quartet all about free improvisation and sonic exploration. Thomas quickly jumped into composition, beginning to develop a style that combines thematic composition with free improvisation, a sort of loosely controlled writing style showcasing his hand-selected performers.
Thomas has released three albums to date. “Good Robot” (2007) and “Experimentations in Minimalism” (2006) feature compositions for small ensemble. “Doublebass” (2003) is a collection of live, freely-improvised solo performances. Thomas also appears on the 2003 Norcal Noise Fest compilation CD, as well as the KUHF “The Front Row” 2006 compilation CD.
Without further ado, we bring you Crow Helton Rauh Schenker: