Free improvisation is inflection. Not purely about the notes (words), but how you say (play) them. A conversation between players, rather than a scripted interpretation. Minds bouncing ideas off of each other. The topic may be set, but the debate is spontaneous, although obviously informed by previous research (listening). A really great improviser is one that’s really well versed in a number of musical subjects. Seattle has a great number of accomplished free improv players. Hell, we even have a festival dedicated solely to improvised music. So how to raise the stakes? Why go to the Chapel Performance Space tonight?
Blindfolds!
photo by Cat Stulik
Well that, and there will be some great musicians, led by Seattle’s wonderful Beth Fleenor. She’s generally got about a million things in the works (I mean that in the best possible way) and always has some exciting and/or inspiring take on just about everything that is music, be it jazz, rock, classical, contemporary chamber, metal, folk, ambient, surf, or noise.
Tonight, a 9-piece ensemble featuring Fleenor (clarinet) along with Michele Khazak (voice), Craig Flory (reeds), Chris Credit (reeds), Samantha Boshnack (trumpet), Andy Coe (guitar), Michael Owcharuk (piano), Paul “PK” Kemmish (bass), and John Ewing (drums), will present Movement Exercises for Blindfolded Ensemble.
From the press release:
“The Exercises present ensemble members with a set form that is intended to be uniquely in place from work to work. The content, within each set form, is completely improvised. Performed with all members blindfolded, as a tool to heighten ensemble awareness, the works are centered on developing group connection, communication and language through focused intent and organic movement.”
Oh, and, they want YOU to get involved:
“A discussion about the works will follow the performance. As part of the discussion, audience members who are interested are encouraged to bring instruments to participate in the demonstration. BYOBlindfold to actively participate.”
8:00 PM; $5-15 sliding scale suggested donation at the door (cash/checks only); Presented by The Frank Agency and Advocates for Abundance through Action in the Arts.
i like that there is a music stand in the photo.