A quick word to help promote the upcoming show: May 18 at 7pm at The Gallery at Avalon Island. The In-Between Series presents Jim Ivy’s Tangled Bell Ensemble performing Midaregami.

Anna Wallace: voice
Midori Imhoof: japanese voice
Andrew Toth: trumpet
A.J. Herring: trombone
Jim Ivy: composition, reeds
Sarah Morrison: violin
Matthew Davis: cello
Steven Head: guitar
Thomas Milovac: bass
Elizabeth Baker: piano
Nick Boutwell: accordion
Evan Shafran: drums.

The main goal of this exploration is to juxtapose seemingly conflicting concepts and approaches, and display them in an aligning way; to show how antagonistic forces and unfamiliarity can create a cooperative friction and become formidable allies. The intent being that all portions of the whole (notated music, text, improvisation) were at once independent of and mutually dependent upon each other; symbiotic. Each being a part and apart simultaneously.

By coordinating loosely written themes that rely on improvisation for story detail, the inclusion of musicians with vast differences in musical background and influence, semi-spontaneous arrangements and impromptu conducting, Midaregami is presented as more of an experimental exercise than a completed work.

Creating an environment where the construction of composition is immediate and experientially apparent has been an objective of mine for some time. The game piece, Milton Bradley (2012), attempted to coax improvisors into immediate composers by interpretation.

This piece is based on the collection of 400 tanka poems written by Akiko Yosano titled Midaregami (Tangled Hair). Appearing in 1901, Midaregami brought a passionate individualism to traditional tanka poetry, unlike any other work of the late Meiji period. A Japanese author, poet, pioneering feminist, pacifist, and social reformer, Akiko Yosano (1878-1942) would become one of the most famous, and controversial, post-classical woman poets of Japan.

In other news, The Delusionaires hit the road north-bound once more winding up at the Midnight Monster Hop in NYC. More details to come. June is already full.