SoCal people take note: tonight begins the Slow Sound Festival, a two week-long celebration of quiet music:
"Slow Sound is the mindful practice of experimental sound and music," says festival curator Glenn Bach, "and with the festival we hope to showcase musicians and composers who specialize in quiet, sparse, or otherwise low impact music. The festival will also give 'louder' artists an opportunity to experiment with quieter material."Slow Sound descends from a long tradition of contemplative music and sound, from John Cage and Morton Feldman to Brian Eno and Steve Roden, and incorporates similar practices such as lowercase, EAI (electroacoustic improvisation), Reductionism, Onkyo, and other activities worldwide. Inspired by Bill Rieflin's Slow Music Project and ideas articulated by the Slow Food movement, Slow Sound provides experimental musicians and sound artists a framework with which to introduce more stillness in their compositions and live improvisations.
"Slow Sound is not an either/or proposition," Bach says, "but functions simply as an alternative practice. While crescendo and density are not strictly forbidden, Slow Sound's emphasis on the quieter end of the dynamic range allows for a more intimate, thoughtful, and meditative space in which to listen."
Slow Sound is partnering with Soundwalk 2009, CSULB's Music Department, and CSULB's University Art Museum in conjunction with the exhibition of "Brian Eno: 77 Million Paintings."
My own contribution to the festival will be a solo trumpet performance at Gerald R. Daniel Recital Hall at CSU Long Beach on Friday night, on a bill with Tom Recchion and Mitchell Brown.
Find out more on Facebook. Also check out Greggory Moore's festival preview in The District Weekly, Tim Grobaty's column in the Press-Telegram, and Sander Wolff's excellent interview with festival founder Glenn Bach at LBPOST.com
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