James Blackshaw & ensemble premier

Sprawl presents:

JAMES BLACKSHAW
and ensemble

date - Friday 26th March 2010

James Blackshaw premiers his new piece commissioned by Sprawl.

Initially inspired by the guitarists of the 60’s Takoma label to teach himself fingerpicking, James Blackshaw writes long-form pieces primarily for solo 12-string guitar and piano that are heavily influenced by minimalist composers and European classical music and which use drones, overtones and repeating patterns alongside a strong inclination for melody to create instrumental music that is both intelligent, hypnotic and emotionally charged.

Now Sprawl has invited James to explore his piano work and commissioned him to compose a piece for piano and small mixed ensemble, string, wind instruments, piano and tuned percussion. Inspired by the works of Christopher Hobbs, Cornelius Cardew, William Burroughs and Brian Eno and Sprawl’s Sonic Recycler Festival where James Blackshaw performed in 2009, this composition is made entirely from found, second-hand pre-existing sheet music, sourced from charity shops, the internet or specialist bookshops. Plunderphonics of a different kind! Imagine a glorious symphony of folk music, Jazz and classical pieces brought together by unique musical mind.

Blackshaw has released several albums on the Tompkins Square, Bo’Weavil and Young Gods labels, as well as being featured on national BBC radio.

with

RUSSELL CALLOW
Support comes from Russell Callow creating a sonic collage based on recordings of many things sacred. He has become interested in the hypnotic state that all manners of religious people get into, through for example speech, chant and music. His collage looks at ways in which he can adapt, explore or subvert this state of trance. Russel’s work typically includes analogue and digital recordings, found sound, percussion, guitar, and electronics in one way or another. His collages run from the narrative to the purely impressionistic. Callow is also a member of the guitar trio I See The Future Trio as well as Roping Arcs and 645 Action! His interest in improvisation sees him participating with Unknown Devices and he is the founder of Ten Ton Tentet.

with support from the PRS for Music Foundation http://www.prsformusicfoundation.com

doors: 8pm
ticket price: £9 in advance via wegottickets.com
(http://www.wegottickets.com/af/5/event/68669)
£11 on the door

sprawl@benfo.demon.co.uk
http://www.sprawl.org.uk