Electroacoustic Piano Concert via Modular Synthesis

The last time I performed a series of electroacoustic piano pieces was November of 2016 (click the link for an audio example). However, I am always imagining interesting ways that the piano, one of the most ancient of all synthesizers ;-), can be processed, resampled, or re-synthesized. To that end I was recently offered an opportunity to play at Berlin, Not the city in Germany but the music venue in Minneapolis, on April 15, 2024.

In my previous performance I had used a Korg KP3+ and a Minifooger delay to simply sample and process the piano. While that simplicity allowed me to focus more on composing, this time I wanted to take a more flexible and unique approach to the electronics. Modular allows for this so I pillaged some modules from my main system and purchased a Happy Nerding FX AID XL to make an electroacoustic skiff designed for sampling, resampling, filtering, and processing incoming acoustic piano signals. From right to left the system includes Bela.io Gliss, Make Noise Morphagene, ALM Pamela’s Pro Workout, Make Noise Maths, Shakmat Dual Dagger, Electrosmith patch.init(), Happy Nerding FX AID XL, and Intellijel Outs. Continue reading

Audiovisual Collaboration: The Dark at the End of the Tunnel

This is the last in a series of live audiovisual collaborations with Chris LeBlanc and Shawna Lee. The performance was captured at at the Lakely in the Oxbow Hotel, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (https://www.theoxbowhotel.com/lakely/) on September 30, 2023.

Chris LeBlanc and Shawna Lee produced live visuals using their integrated, modular video synthesis systems as I performed. This piece titled, Dark at the End of the Tunnel, is an electro-acoustic piano composition. In this adaptation I used a a stage piano, but the processing and accompaniment are as they would be if the piece were performed on an acoustic instrument.

Please take a look at Chris’ (@blindprophet) and Shawna’s (@iamadot) Instagram feeds to see more of their work.

Audiovisual Collaboration: Chris LeBLanc & Shawna Lee, Part 2

This is the second in a series of live audiovisual collaborations with Chris LeBlanc and Shawna Lee. The performance was captured at at the Lakely in the Oxbow Hotel, Eau Claire, Wisconsin (https://www.theoxbowhotel.com/lakely/) on September 30, 2023.

Chris and Shawna produced live visuals using their integrated, modular video synthesis systems as I performed. This as yet untitled piece is driven by morphing drums and sequences on the Dirtywave M8 tracker. I also improvised parts on the Osmose Expressive E and the Numa X Piano GT.

This is the second in a series of live audiovisual collaborations with Chris LeBlanc and Shawna Lee. The performance was captured at at the Lakely in the Oxbow Hotel, Eau Claire, Wisconsin on September 30, 2023. Chris and Shawna produced live visuals using their integrated, modular video synthesis systems as I performed. This as yet untitled piece is driven by morphing drums and sequences on the Dirtywave M8 tracker. I also improvised parts on the Numa X Piano GT and the Osmose Expressive E.

Please take a look at Chris’ (@blindprophet) and Shawna’s (@iamadot) Instagram feeds to see more of their work.

Sat. Sept. 9 Dosh and Keston with Tripfacesmile.com

Martin Dosh and I have been playing one-off shows together in various ensembles for longer than I care to divulge. However, unless I’m misremembering this will be the first time as a duet. The Rhodes electric piano has always been our common ground, and I will have my new Osmose Expressive E along as well to share how I have been approaching that instrument. Tripfacesmile.com will start the night off with a set of modular synthesis. Please join us at ROK Bar, 882 7th St. W, Suite 12, St. Paul, MN 55102 on September 9, 2023.

ACB Live Volume 5: Music Made with Trackers

Last Tuesday, August 29, 2023 was the fifth entry into the AudioCookbook Live streaming show. This time around two guests participated with me including Lucas Melchior aka MKR, and Evan Beaumont. Each us of played music using the Dirtywave M8 tracker. I was thoroughly impressed with the work that Lucas and Evan performed, so I am pleased to be able to share the stream archive with you. The video is long, but I have included chapter markers so you can skip the discussions, although I think we made some interesting points about how using trackers influences our approaches to music composition, production, and performance.