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.
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.
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.
Seaprog is pleased to announce the first confirmations for the 2018 lineup, which is shaping up to be the best yet, with a set of headliners sure to thrill and amaze: Cheer-Accident, Free Salamander Exhibit, and Bubblemath. In addition, we’ve lined up a wide variety of artists from Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia to provide proof that the Northwest is a home for creative music of all stripes.
Cheer-Accident promotional photo
Cheer-Accident (Chicago) has been one of the most prominent American bands in avant rock for more than a decade, with roots in such pioneers as Henry Cow but a disarming sense of melody and a modern anything-goes attitude.
Free Salamander Exhibit promotional photo
Carrying on the legacy of the mighty Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, Free Salamander Exhibit (Oakland) is a giant among genre-bending bands, straddling avant-metal, free jazz, modern Classical and more in their unique performances.
Bubblemath promotional photo
And while Bubblemath (Minneapolis) has not been the most prolific of bands, with only two albums in 17 years, but those albums stand firmly among the best American progressive releases, bringing together tightly-arranged complexity and ambitious reach with a winking sense of humor.
Mercury Tree promotional photo
Since their 2014 appearance, The Mercury Tree (Portland) has been honing their style of adventurous rock music and bringing in microtonal sounds to create something truly unique, so we’re happy to give them an encore appearance on our stage.
Faun Fables promotional photo
Faun Fables is based in the Bay Area, but they occupy a realm far from the mundane world we live in. The duo presents a modern version of acid folk infused with a deep artistic sensibility that’s won them fans around the world.
Clearly Beloved promotional photo
Seattle’s own Clearly Beloved is a band with a vision involving violins, unpredictable songs, and baking bread.
We’re excited to be presenting our first Vancouver band, Marching Mind, to represent that city’s rich cultural scene with a sound that combines classic prog and edgy 90s rock.
Moraine promotional photo
Moraine played the very first Seaprog in 2013, but a lot has changed since then, with new personnel and new material, so they’re due a return engagement. Other Northwest area artists we’ve enlisted include Cantrip, Ocelot Omelet, and Himiko Cloud.
There are more contracts outstanding for other exciting artists, along with a yet-to-be-nailed-down project featuring members of the Seattle Guitar Circle, so make sure to keep paying attention. Ticket sales will be starting soon — look for an announcement in the next few days.
And finally… Seaprog is fiscally sponsored by Shunpike, and donations are tax deductible and eligible for employer-matching funds where available. Please consider helping creative music flourish by contributing to the cause. Ticket sales alone have never covered the costs of putting on the festival, and every little bit helps. Donate here.
Although the three members of Zero Times Everything met at one of Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft seminars, their music is made of a lot more than guitars. After creating soundtrack music to a film by Richard Sylvarnes, they have continued to create music, and the combination of auditory and visual art has become one of their hallmarks.
Personnel:
Pietro Russino — Guitar, loops, violin
Tony Geballe — Guitar, loops, synths
Richard Sylvarnes — Kaoss Pads, loops, synths, rhythms, guitars, vocals
