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.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:17 — 92.5MB)
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