Seaprog 2018 May update

As the festival dates approach at roughly the pace of one day every 24 hours, the Central Committee has been busy getting everything ready behind the scenes. There is so much to do! Once again, the wonderful Nat Damm has designed our poster this year, and once again he’s come through with flying colors (mostly pale yellows, dark browns, and a kind of reddish tinge we don’t have a name for).

Seaprog 2018 poster by Nat Damm
Seaprog 2018 poster by Nat Damm

Two recent additions to the line-up are now posted on the artist and schedule pages. On Friday at 8:00 in the front room we’ll have a pulsating set of space rock from Star Cradle. Check out their video for a taste of what to expect. And then on Sunday, the front room will host A Word in Edgewise, a unique duo featuring Clark Battle and his custom electronic cello and Kevin Cook on drums. They’ll mix improvisation and prepared compositions in a sonic stew unlike anything you’re likely to have heard.

Advance ticket sales are humming along (in odd meters, no doubt), putting Seaprog well above previous years, proving that perseverance in the face of difficulties can pay off. If you haven’t made your arrangements yet, now is the time! And if you can’t attend, please consider making a charitable contribution to help support creative music. Use the Donate button above.

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: