Yesterday I played a show at Terra Fyrmusica in Second Life. In the second half I did a timed 10 minute atonal improvisation on piano, as planned. I listened to a recording of it today. I find it almost impossible to pass comment on it in terms of quality. It is difficult to think of what to compare it with. One thing I did learn was that the sound levels need to be adjusted at the start for the maximum volume likely in the piece, since I have no hands free to mess with knobs and faders on the mixer which, in any case, is across the room from where I am playing.
The venue is small and only one person came to listen to me. I can’t worry about that, I need to get on with what I want to do with my music. If other folk don’t want to listen, that is up to them. I’m not playing tonight, so my next gig will be at Foxy Hollow on Saturday morning. This afternoon I did a quick pencil sketch of the blindfold I used for the improvisation (see above).
The big news today is that the repair man came, at last, and fixed our dryer. However, we have not tested it yet; I live in hope. Speak to you later.
John's Quavering Pencil 
September 22, 2009 at 8:09 am |
Hi Fyrm!
I’ve been very interested to read about the daring blindfold improv. I had to go out that evening, otherwise I would have been there. I’d like to hear it. I experiment in this area too, and whilst I really enjoy the playing, am not sure about what an audience would make of it.
I am a fair guitarist, and can use a keyboard, but I’m not much of a singer. As a result it’s hard to get an hour’s worth of material together. Added to that, crowd interaction feels awkward, so I content myself with playing for my own amusement, or recording tracks.
Although Second Life is impressive in many ways, I have to profess that I am a little disapointed with the lack of originality and risk taking in the music scene. Maybe those creative folks are out there, but they don’t appear in my Search window…..or they play when I’m asleep!
So I’m keen to encourage those that do take risks and try to be original. “Another version of “Hallelujah” anyone?” 🙂
I see you’ve plunged straight into improv…have you composed many instrumental pieces, either for guitar or keyboard? Apologies if you have, and I’m unaware of them. If not, I’d like to challenge you to compose a 2 minute keyboard or synth piece that pleases you sufficiently to add to your live repetoire.
Best wishes
Toby
September 22, 2009 at 10:11 am |
Hi Toby!
Thanks for this comment, and it is quite a challenge you have set. It is something that has been on my mind of late. I had hoped to start composing on keyboard (as opposed to guitar) by the end of this year, 2009. That was a personal goal I set myself and maybe your comment is just the trigger I need.
I do agree that there is a lot of conventional music in SL. In terms of keyboards, I very much like EvaMoon Ember, Djai Skjellerup, and Kourosh who improvises on Saturday afternoon (English time = 4 pm) at Natida Ridge. I like Torben Asps computer music compositions, which are keyboard related. Hexx plays some experimental music, but with her it is mainly on guitar, despite some contribution from Madame Amoufaz on organ. Generally speaking, the people who I have mentioned are staying pretty much within conventional key structures. The blindfold improv I did the other week was atonal – and that is the difference. I’ll IM you inworld to find a time that might be convenient for you – I can try and do another one at Terra Fyrmusica sometime. I don’t think the usual audiences we tend to get would be up for such experimental stuff as that.
I’ve probably forgotten to mention somebody, but never mind. I mean I haven’t mentioned all the good folks I go to see (like Soundcircel Flanagan or Strum Diesel, for example).
I will try for the 2 minute keyboard composition, but I tend to be quite slow in writing. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
Fyrm