Month: April 2018

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Artist profile: Bubblemath

Bubblemath promotional photo
Bubblemath promotional photo

Bubblemath was formed in the 90s in Minneapolis, and their first album, Such Fine Particles of the Universe, took the prog world by surprise in 2001, presenting a unique and complex twist on what was understood as progressive rock. They combined grand compositions with quirky humor and precise execution into a style unlike anything heard before. Their second album didn’t appear until more than a decade later, but there was no drop in quality, and Edit Peptide made many critics’ lists for the best albums of 2017.

Personnel:

  • Blake Albinson — Guitars, keyboards, tenor sax, vocals
  • Jay Burritt — Bass, vocals
  • Kai Esbensen — Keyboards, vocals
  • James Flagg — Drums, percussion, vocals
  • Jonathan G. Smith — Vocals, guitars, woodwinds, percussion, dulcimer, mandolin, banjo

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

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Artist profile: A Word in Edgewise

Word in Edgewise promotional photo
Word in Edgewise promotional photo

A Word in Edgewise is a collaborative improvisation project merging dark themes with deep listening, intricate groove, vital dynamics and relenting intimacy. It is currently comprised of cellist Clark Battle and drummer Kevin Cook.

Kevin Cook (drummer) has been a staple in the Seattle dance scene, accompanying classes at Cornish College of the Arts, UW and Spectrum Dance for over 20 years. A long time fan of the avant-garde, he is inspired by such artists as Fred Frith, Captain Beefheart, Dr. Nerve, Amy Denio, and Daevid Allen’s Gong. His dynamic playing has enabled him to play in a diverse range of projects, from the extremes of heavy metal to the sublime subtleties of acoustic cello.

Despite almost all of his musical influences being progressive jazz-rock guitarists, cellist Clark Battle reluctantly studied classical cello from a young age. Guitar envy ultimately seduced him down the unreasonable path of luthiery; irreverently hacking a perfectly good acoustic cello with an extra string, internal LEDs and internal electric surface exciters for guitar effects. Embracing an improvisational approach Clark weaves prepared themes with whatever inspires him in the moment.

Personnel:

  • Clark Battle — Electronic cello
  • Kevin Cook — Drums

Links to artist websites:

Links were good as of when the artist performed. Some may no longer work.

Performances:

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Looking forward to Some Tiny Orchestral Moments

Tiny Orchestral Moments promotional photo
Tiny Orchestral Moments promotional photo

Today we have two announcements regarding this year’s Seaprog festival. First, we are happy to present Tiny Orchestral Moments performing on Sunday, June 3. This group is organized by Steve Ball, and is related to Seattle Guitar Circle. In addition to members of the Circle, musicians from around the world have collaborated with TOM, in performances that combine composition and improvisation. The exact lineup is yet to be determined, but it’s bound to be good – some who have been involved recently are Matt Chamberlain, Igor Abuladze, Alex Anthony Faide, Carl Germain, Beth Fleenor, Amy Denio, Nora Germain, Kathy Moore, and Jaxie Binder.

Second, due to uncertainties surrounding the international border crossing, Vancouver’s Marching Mind has had to bow out. We’ll be making further announcements as we work out the revised schedule.