upcoming Workshop

SOUND with guests Michael Kieran Harvey and Kanako Okamoto
Tuesday 23rd September 12:00 - 1:30 in Room 113 VCA
First reading and discussion of new work for trombone, electric bass, and piano.
Charles MacInnes (trombone)
Jeremy Aslop (electric bass)
Michael Kieran Harvey (piano)
Kanako Okamoto (composer)

SOUND was formed in 2006 by Charles MacInnes (trombone) and Jeremy Alsop (electric bass guitar). We created the group as a vehicle for our own compositions, spontaneous playing, and explorations into, well, sound! The group recently received an Australia Council grant for the composition of a new work. Having performed in galleries and as guests at several universities we are now embarking on a series of collaborations with other musicians, visual artists, and writers.

On the 23rd we are presenting an open rehearsal with Japanese composer Kanako Okamoto, who has written a work for Michael, Jeremy, and myself.

We envisage this to be a valuable workshop experience for advanced student musicians and composers in their search for creating a new ensemble aesthetic that puts interaction and sound at the forefront.

I would be delighted if you could pop in for some or all of this event, or indeed if you have any students who may be interested in hearing and talking to these musicians, please encourage them to attend.


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SOUND (DUO)

formal information about my duo

Trombonist Charles MacInnes and bassist Jeremy Alsop formed the group “SOUND” in 2006 as an ensemble vehicle for their own composition and music creation. Their music has always been a matter of convergence of techniques and materials. It does not discriminate between improvised jazz, electronica and contemporary chamber music.

Alsop has extensive experience as a studio musician since the 1980s, having played on hundreds of TV commercials and with prominent jazz artists in Australia and the US. He is also a keenly sought music producer and recording engineer. MacInnes has played with orchestras and new music ensembles both in Australia and Germany, and is currently visiting lecturer in trombone at the Australian National University in Canberra. Both are gaining recognition as composers, with growing requests for works from musicians exploring music that overlaps the usual stylistic delineations.

SOUND explores the association between electronics and the human to create an aural space unique to the contemporary listener. While many of the pieces rely on the presence of the laptop, its role is anthropomorphic; in other words, it is always part of the orchestration and is never used gratuitously.

The program consists of one hour of music without breaks, and is ideally situated in an intimate to medium-sized venue. Program notes are made available, if appropriate. Recent performances have taken place in galleries, arthouse cinemas, universities and generally attract an artistic audience with a wide demographic. The group’s first CD is nearing completion and will be available in 2008.