liquid

Liquid is an exploration of the voice as an instrument, and of the

intensity and intimacy of improvisation.  I'm very interested in the idea

of using the voice in other ways beyond the standard rock role of lyrics

and melody.  I'm interested in blending the voice in with the other

instruments, rather than having it be somewhat separate from

the rest of the music.  Usually this separation creates the need for

instrumental breaks and solos, where the singer shuts up for awhile

and instrumentalists can do their thing.  I want the voice to be able

to be a part of the music, not separate or overpowering, but

complementing the other instruments and becoming an instrument

itself.  Or perhaps I'm just looking for a way for the singer not

to have to shut up.

Sometimes I've worked with the voice as an instrument by using

multiple effects, distorting the voice and twisting it into something

new.  This piece has only one effect (reverb) but a lot of it.  And the

piece isintentionally not crafted.  What you hear is the first take

improvisation, recorded directly to DAT.  I was playing a synth and

fading in a piano sound from time to time using a mixer within arm's reach.

To guard against the trap of self-indulgence which always exists in

improvisation, I subsequently made several attempts to hone and

rerecord the piece, but returned to the original take because it

captures exactly the images and emotion I was exploring.  I think

that's the beauty of sincere improvisation -- it is a very

direct connection to the emotions.

improvisation dc 1999