The following text is taken from Front Magazine, vol. VI, no. 5, pp. 10-12, May/June 1995:
– George E. Lewis: Improvisors Forum 06/23/95
Multi-talented George Lewis, an original member of Chicago’s AACM, is a composer, trombone player and computer/installation artist. His work on trombones featured on over 80 recordings, with Anthony Braxton, John Zorn, Sam Rivers and many more. Lewis’ compositions are intertextual, blending sounds, text and performance, and utilizing electronic, acoustic, vocal and percussive textures. His work and deals with issues of real-time exchange of personal, social and cultural narrative, and the musical consequences of the exchange process, where the personalities of the musicians are welcomed into the structure of the compositions. George Lewis has recently composed new works for improvising ensembles in California. Lewis will set his new compositions on some of Vancouver’s finest improvisors, who have joined forces to form this creative orchestra. The performers on this very special event include: Kate Hammet-Vaughan (voice), Ron Samworth (guitar), Paul Plimley (piano), Coat Cooke, Bruce Freedman, Saul Berson, Graham Ord (saxophones), John Korsrud (trumpet), Ralph Eppel (trombone), Peggy Lee (cello), Dylan Van Der Schyff (drums), Paul Blaney, Clyde Reed (basses). George E. Lewis, the composer, will conduct the ensemble and perform on trombone and electronics.
– EDAM 06/23/95 – 06/24/95
Experimental Dance and Music, the second annual meeting of these outstanding improvisers from Vancouver and Montréal is sure to be entertaining and enlightening – with dancers, Peter Bingham, Andrew Harwood and Marc Boivin, and Ron Samworth on guitar/soundscapes, Coat Cooke on saxophones, and Pierre Tanguay on percussion.
– The Recyclers 06/24/95
Using prepared piano, drums and guitar, this Parisian trio creates a percussive/harmonic sound rich in melody. With various objects and techniques, simple sounds are transformed into unusual and beautiful tones. Off-beat and highly original percussionist Steve Arguëlles will also conduct a drum workshop. With Benoit Delbecq on piano and Noël Akchoté on guitar.
Thanks to AFAA.
– Joe Williamson Quartet 06/25/95
A former Vancouverite, bassist Joe Williamson is now a busy artist on the Amsterdam scene. His quartet features Victor deBoo on drums, Alex Candelaria on guitar, and Robert Armus on saxophone. He’ll also appear in duo with cellist Peggy Lee; with the François Houle‘s Carmine Perpetuum project; and in quartet with European greats Steve Beresford on piano, Han Bennink on drums, and Evan Parker on saxophone.
– Guus Janssen Trio 06/26/95
Integrating composition and improvisation in a unique way, this Dutch trio has appeared at many European festivals. Out of a dazzling whirl of seemingly loose ends, they make witty and passionate music. As a pianist, Janssen has performed with John Zorn, George Lewis, Maarten Altena, and the ASKO ensemble. His wide-ranging compositions include music for solo performers, string quartets, and symphonies. His opera, Noah recently debuted to wild acclaim in Amsterdam. With Guus Janssen on piano, Ernst Glerum on bass, and Wim Janssen on percussion.
Thanks to Fonds Voor de Podimkunsten.
– Khac Chi Ensemble 06/27/95
Khac Chi is Vietnam’s premier virtuoso on the dan bau, a Vietnamese one-string zither. Chi has performed as a guest soloist with symphony orchestras in Italy, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and the Soviet Union, among other countries. Ngoc Bich, an exceptional vocalist, arranger and multi-instrumentalist will be appearing with Chi. Don’t miss this concert of beautiful and unusual Vietnamese music, performed with rare instruments from Vietnam’s rural and mountainous regions.
– Ochs/Ellis/Robinson What We Live 06/28/95
This incendiary and emphatic trio from San Francisco will leave you breathless. Saxophonist Larry Ochs a founding member of the ROVA saxophone quartet. Canadian-born bassist Lisle Ellis is a maverick artist with an extraordinary connection to his instrument. Percussionist Donald Robinson propels the music with the vast palette of textures and moods.
– Joëlle Léandre 06/29/95
French improvising bassist Joëlle Léandre is a brilliant solo artist and collaborator. She is at home interpreting the compositions of Scelsi and Cage in addition to improvising with Masters such as Derek Bailey, Anthony Braxton, and Steve Lacy. Her work with British vocalist Maggie Nicols and pioneering free music pianist Irene Schweizer in the trio Les Diaboliques, and the adventurous Canvas Trio, has earned her international acclaim.
– Graewe/Léandre/Houle 06/30/95
A contemporary music summit. German pianist George Graewe‘s dynamic playing fuses 20th century influences from Charles Ives to Cecil Taylor. Graewe leads a number of groups including the fantastic GrübenKlang Orchestra. French bassist Joëlle Léandre is a leading light on the European improvised scene. Vancouver-based saxophonist/clarinetist François Houle is an acclaimed Canadian new music artist. Graewe will also play a solo concert and perform in François Houle’s Carmine Perpetuum.