Re: [microsound] microvising

[JonAbbey2@xxxxxxx]

a few thoughts on the microvising topic:

first of all, it was originally coined by Rob Young of the Wire to refer to 
both acoustic and electronic musicians. acoustic musicians such as Radu 
Malfatti, Axel Dörner, nmperign, etc., also are an important part of this 
concept. I understand that this list is probably more focused on the 
electronic end of things, but I just wanted to clarify how I understand the 
term.

Gunnar said:

<<Is their something inherent in the use of laptops as instruments

that inhibits truly inspired improvisation.  Do attempts at it in the field

of computerized music often turn into an unfocused and self indulgent

noodling?>>

well, sure, but so do most attempts at improvisation on more traditional jazz 
instruments. anyone's who's seen Marcus Schmickler, Pita, Fennesz, Christof 
Kurzmann to name a few knows that the most talented people working in this 
field are capable of putting together focused and inspired improv sets. 

Lamm said:

<<I think because of the lack of records, people tend to loose their sense of 
critic when it comes to electronic improv... Also, most of them tend to come 
from the same country, even if Keith Rowe was definitely a key player in 
Mimeo>>

if you're just talking about laptop improvisers, then I'd have to agree that 
many of the best are from the Vienna scene, but once you talk about 
"electronic improv", you should investigate musicians like Thomas Lehn, Kevin 
Drumm, Günter Müller, Voice Crack, Otomo Yoshihide, Martin Tétreault, to name 
a few.

also, Keith Rowe is much more than just a key player in Mimeo, he's the 
leader and the inspiration. 

<<Anyone has a suggestion of another great record (and possibly coming from

another country than Austria?)...>>

try the poire_z on For 4 Ears or the ISO on Alcohol. or pretty much any 
Erstwhile release... :)

Jon
www.erstwhilerecords.com