Some mp3 clips from ISTHMUS plus a couple of Solos
ISTHMUS is an album of improvised pieces. The band comprises Jon Thorne on double bass, Milo0 Fell on drums, and Graham Clark on violin. There was no prediscussion of the music other than to say that melody, groove and harmony were not necessarily to be avoided!
Bang On! This track is named for the American violinist, Billy Bang.
Duende One time after a gig, the Chilean wife of a friend of mine said, "You are duende." My mate said, "That's a little magic man, like a leprechaun!" I didn't know whether that was a compliment or an insult until I read Derek Bailey's book, "Improvisation". There he tells us how 'duende' is a state of improvisational inspiration in flamenco.
Lonestar This tune just reminded me of looking into the sky at night, and seeing Venus! Don't know why. Also Lonestar was a make of cap-gun which I owned as a boy.
System X Named
for Ornette Coleman, who did an album with Pat Metheny called Song X, and invented
Harmolodics
(though they've done no harm to me!)
To buy ISTHMUS, go to the ISTHMUS page at isthmus.shtml
If you would like a CDR copy of my16 improvisations, please email me.
Links Gig Calendar Instruments Amplification Discography