Ela Orleans
In her press release, the music of Ela Orleans is perfectly described as "like the first kiss from a new lover at a rain soaked funeral". The Polish artist, now living in Brooklyn, makes lilting melancholy electronic constructions using tape loops and found snippets, slide quitar, keyboards and other instruments. She sings in a voice that is both vulnerable and resolute, with a slight East European accent that is a bit like a more melodic, much less ponderous Nico. Her lyrics are often laced with subtle humor and are always surprising in their candor and phrasing. Coming from a Cagean spirit of experimentation, Ela has developed an utterly personal style of melodic sound collage and songmaking that is capable of conveying a deep sense of aliveness -- taking in information from the world and transforming it through sound into pure feeling. The songs are constructed loosely with imperfections showing, which makes the integrity of their construction part of their content -- their truth. Ela has just released her first solo record called "High Moon Low Sun" on the Italian Setola di Maiale label. This is by no means your typical art music, not rock n roll, not exactly pop -- it is an absolutely original hybrid -- what Ela modestly calls "movies for ears".
Crimson Grail being performed in Paris
Continuing with the theme of late '70s NY underground music -- one of the real survivors and innovators from that time and place, Rhys Chatham will be performing his monumental piece for 400 electric guitars, Crimson Grail, outdoors at Lincoln Center on August 15, 2008. Rhys, along with Glenn Branca, is known for creating massive walls of electric guitar drones with modulations and overtones forming a truly physical and inclusive aural experience. Chatham and Branca were the inspirations for Sonic Youth's forays into slabs of overtone and feedback. Rhys, who now lives in Paris, has been presenting this piece in piazzas and basilicas all over Europe. Seeing and hearing it performed at Lincoln Center should be unforgettable.
But here's the real opportunity for a once in a lifetime experience:
Rhys has put out an open call for guitar players to perform the piece. You can sign up by going to this site. You must be a capable player, have your own gear, and commit to three rehearsals plus the performance. You can see photos of previous performances here.
I must say I'm a bit bummed (or is it relieved?) that I'll be away on vacation the week of this performance. Otherwise I'd be very tempted to dust off the old '65 Fender Jaguar and go make some serious noise -- hell, maybe even change the strings.
Ela Orleans
Crimson Grail being performed in Paris