Episodes

  • Chapter 01, Electronic and Experimental Music, Recommended Works

    Chapter 01, Electronic and Experimental Music, Recommended Works
    Jan 25 2025

    Episode 139

    Chapter 01, What is Electronic Music? Recommended Works from Electronic and Experimental Music

    This podcast is produced as a companion to my book, Electronic and Experimental Music, published by Routledge. Each of these episodes corresponds to a chapter in the text and an associated list of recommended works, also called Listen in the text. They provide listening examples of vintage electronic works featured in the text.

    The works themselves can be enjoyed without the book and I hope that they stand as a chronological survey of important works in the history of electronic music. Be sure to tune-in to other episodes of the podcast where we explore a wide range of electronic music in many styles and genres, all drawn from my archive of vintage recordings.

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time*

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    01:16

    00:00

    Pierre Schaeffer, Cinq Études De Bruits Étude Violette (1948). Example of musique concrète.

    03:25

    01:16

    Pierre Schaeffer and Pierre Henry, Bidule en Ut (1950). Example of musique concrète.

    02:11

    04:36

    Herbert Eimert, Klangstudie I (1952). Example of elektronische music.

    03:57

    06:46

    Herbert Eimert and Robert Beyer, Klang Im Unbegrenzten Raum (1952). Example of elektronische music.

    10:33

    10:40

    Karlheinz Stockhausen, Studie I (1953-54). Example of elektronische music.

    10:00

    20:59

    Karlheinz Stockhausen, Gesang Der Jünglinge (1955-56). Example of electroacoustic music.

    13:40

    30:28

    Else Marie Pade, Symphonic Magnetophonique (1958). Example of electroacoustic music.

    19:28

    43:38

    Edgard Varèse, Poème Électronique (1958). Example of organized sound.

    08:08

    01:02:54

    Max Mathews, Numerology (1960)

    02:45

    01:11:05

    Daphne Oram, Four Aspects (1960). Example of Oramics or electroacoustic music.

    08:15

    01:13:36

    Henri Pousseur, Trois Visage de Liège (1961). Example of electroacoustic music.

    17:54

    01:21:44

    James Tenney, Collage No.1 (Blue Suede) (1961). Example of electroacoustic music.

    03:27

    01:39:32

    Delia Derbyshire, Falling (1964). Example of radiophonic music.

    08:45

    01:42:58

    Ann Hamilton, Mantle (1998). Example of sound art.

    32:09

    01:51:39

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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    2 hrs and 25 mins
  • Electronic Music of Conrad Schnitzler—A Retrospective, Part 1

    Electronic Music of Conrad Schnitzler—A Retrospective, Part 1
    Jan 13 2025

    Episode 138

    Electronic Music of Conrad Schnitzler—A Retrospective, Part 1.

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time*

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    06:06

    00:00

    Conrad Schnitzler, “Meditation” from Rot (Red) (1973 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released. Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.

    19:44

    08:28

    Conrad Schnitzler, “Die Rebellen Haben Sich In Den Bergen Versteckt” from Blau (Blue) (1974 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released. Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.

    18:44

    28:06

    Conrad Schnitzler, “05/1975 B (6:11),” “05/1975 A (4:29),” “12/1975 A (1:53),” “14/1975 A (2:21),” “03/1975 A” from Filmmusik 2 (2017 Bureau B). Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler.These works were for composed for films that did not yet (most never) existed. They date from 1975 and fill an interesting niche in his work from the time. These shorter works contrast nicely to the extended works that he was producing up until this time.

    18:47

    45:40

    Conrad Schnitzler + Wolf Sequenza, “Nächte In Kreuzberg” (3:48), “Humpf” (2:51), “M5-477” (4:39), “Pendel” (4:16), “Wer Geht Da?” (3:46), and “Copacabana” (5:17) from Consequenz (1980 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released). Composed, performed, recorded, and produced by Conrad Schnitzler and Wolf Sequenza (Wolfgang Seidel).

    24:36

    01:05:22

    Note: These are all complete album sides. For Filmmusic 2 and Consequenz, the album sides include several individual tracks and the timings for each are shown in parentheses in the descriptions above.

    Opening background music: Conrad Schnitzler, “Untitled” (excerpt, side A) of the Red Cassette (1974 Conrad Schnitzler Self-released) (09:08).

    Introduction to the podcast voiced by Anne Benkovitz.

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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    1 hr and 33 mins
  • Merry Moog 2024

    Merry Moog 2024
    Nov 17 2024
    Episode 137 Merry Moog 2024 Electronic Music for the Holidays Performed on the Moog and other Synthesizers Playlist Time Track Time Start Introduction –Thom Holmes 04:34 00:00 1. Hans Wurman, “Overture Miniature” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). This Austrian composer made several remarkable, classically influenced Moog Modular albums from 1969 to 1976. This was one of his last big Moog projects and is difficult to find. 2:54 02:54 04:32 2. Hans Wurman, “Danse De La Fee-Dragee ( Sugar Plum Fairy)” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). Moog Modular synthesizer, Hans Wurman. 1:33 01:33 07:24 3. Hans Wurman, “Danse Des Mirlitons (Flutes)” from Electric Nutcracker (1976 Ovation). Moog Modular synthesizer, Hans Wurman. 2:14 02:14 08:56 4. Emerson, Lake & Palmer, “Nutrocker” from Nutrocker / The Great Gates Of Kiev (1972 Cotillion). Arranged by, Emerson, Lake & Palmer. Written by Kim Fowley. 03:48 11:08 5. Sounds Of Broadcasting 2, “Night Of The Kings” from Sounds Of Broadcasting #6088 (1975? William B. Tanner Company, Inc.). Broadcast library track produced for the holidays. Produced using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:01 14:56 6. Jean Jacques Perrey and Sy Mann, “Jingle Bells” from Switched on Santa (1970 Pickwick). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:44 15:56 7. Jean Jacques Perrey and Sy Mann, “Christmas Bells” from Switched on Santa (1970 Pickwick). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer. 01:52 17:40 8. Douglas Leedy, “The Coventry Carol” from A Very Merry Electric Christmas to You (1970 Capitol). USA. Moog Modular Synthesizer and Buchla Synthesizer. 04:46 19:30 9. Joseph Byrd, “Christmas in the Morning” from A Christmas Yet to Come (1975 Takoma). USA. ARP 2600 Synthesizer with an Oberheim Expander Module. 01:34 24:16 10. Armen Ra, “O Come All Ye Faithful” from Theremin Christmas (2018 Sungod). USA. Moog Etherwave Pro Theremin. 04:43 25:50 11. Beck, “The Little Drum Machine Boy” from Just Say Noël (1996 Geffen). USA. Roland TR-808 Rhythm Composer. 07:02 30:32 12. Alan Horsey, “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” from Switched-On Christmas (1985 Snowflake Records). Italian album with electric organ by Alan Horsey. This is reminiscent of Hooked on Classics as the entire album seems to be woven together by a drum machine beat. This is played on organ. Seems a little late for disco. 03:10 37:30 13. Denny Hinman, “Christmas in July” from Plays The Yamaha Electone E-70 (1980 Yamaha). Denny Hinman plays the Yamaha Electone E-70. A release by Yamaha. 01:45 40:36 14. Miharu Koshi, “Belle Tristesse” (妙なる悲しみ)from We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1984 Yen). Japan. A compilation of specially recorded Christmas-themed songs from various artists on the Yen Records label. Written by, synth-pop with vocals by Miharu Koshi. Miharu Koshi is a keyboardist and singer with a long-standing collaborative association with YMO-founder Haruomi Hosono. 03:43 42:20 15. Taeko Onuki, Inori (Prayer) from We Wish You A Merry Christmas (1984 Yen). Japan. A compilation of specially recorded Christmas-themed songs from various artists on the Yen Records label. Japanese synth-pop with vocals by Onuki. Maybe Ryuichi Sakamoto on keyboards. 03:44 46:02 16. Frank Collett, “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring (1970 Privately Made Release). USA. This is a special addition to the Merry Moog podcast. I found what is likely a one-of-a-disc private pressing by Frank Collett using the Moog Modular Synthesizer. This 45 RPM disc was recorded at Finetone Recording Studio in New York City and is inscribed with the hand-written message, “To John & Loretta: Merry XMAS. Composed and arranged by Frank Collett” This appears to be disc made of metal with a vinyl coating. One side includes his rendition of Bach’s “Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring” plus a short tune called “Little Joey” (see below). The flip side contains the same recording of “Little Joey.” Dated December 22, 1970. Clearly made using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. Collett (1941-2016) was a noted session pianist and sometimes led and recorded with his own trio. He was raised in New York. In 1968 he was accompanist to Sarah Vaughan. The following year he moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He became the house pianist, with the orchestra in the main showroom of the International Hotel (which became the Las Vegas Hilton). It was during this period that he made this recording in NY. 01:57 49:44 17. Frank Collett, “Little Joey” (1970 Privately Made Release). Frank Collett using the Moog Modular Synthesizer. From a 45 RPM disc recorded at Finetone Recording Studio in New York City (see above). Dated December 22, 1970. Clearly made using a Moog Modular Synthesizer. Collett (1941-2016) was a noted session pianist and sometimes led and recorded with his own trio. Moog Modular Synthesiser, Frank Collett. Whose Moog Synthesizer ...
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    1 hr and 41 mins
  • Sun Ra and Stockhausen—An Imaginary Encounter in Electronic Music

    Sun Ra and Stockhausen—An Imaginary Encounter in Electronic Music
    Nov 3 2024

    Episode 136

    Sun Ra and Stockhausen—An Imaginary Encounter in Electronic Music

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    14:28

    00:00

    Karlheinz Stockhausen, “Es (It)” (1969) from Aus Den Sieben Tagen (from the Seven Days) (1973 Deutsche Grammophon). Composed by, electronics (Filters, Potentiometers), spoken voice, technician (Sound Direction), liner notes, Karlheinz Stockhausen; Elektronium, Harald Bojé; Piano, Aloys Kontarsky; Drums, Percussion (Tam-tam, Flexatone, Guero, Bamboo Flute, Jew's Harp, Rolf Gehlhaar; Drums, Percussion (Tam-tam, Flexatone, Guero, Jew's Harp, Alfred Alings; Viola, Johannes G. Fritsch. The Elektronium was an electronic instrument in the form of an accordion, invented by Hohner in 1952. From the cycle of compositions entitled Aus den Sieben Tagen. Es (10th May 1968). This is the complete cycle for the work consisting of 7 albums recorded at the Georg-Moller-Haus (Loge) in Darmstadt, from the 26th to 31st August 1969. This is different than the earlier recordings from Cologne that were released separately. Comes in a sturdy box together with a tri-lingual 20-page booklet. Each record is packed in its own cover.

    23:04

    14:30

    Sun-Ra and his Astro Infinity Arkestra, “Space Probe” (1969) from My Brother The Wind Vol. 1 (2017 Cosmic Myth Records). Moog Modular Synthesizer solo, two keyboards, Sun Ra; Moog programming and mixing, Gershon Kingsley.” Recorded at Gershon Kingsley’s New York studio before Sun Ra had acquired a prototype Minimoog from Bob Moog the following year.

    17:45

    37:30

    Sun-Ra and his Astro Infinity Arkestra, “The Code Of Interdependence” (1969) from My Brother The Wind Vol. 1 (2017 Cosmic Myth Records). Moog Modular Synthesizer solo, two keyboards, Sun Ra; Moog programming and mixing, Gershon Kingsley; Drums, Danny Davis, John Gilmore; Oboe, Marshall Allen; Tenor Saxophone, John Gilmore. Recorded at Gershon Kingsley’s New York studio before Sun Ra had acquired a prototype Minimoog from Bob Moog the following year.

    16:50

    55:16

    Opening background music: Sun Ra and his Solar Myth Arkestra, “Seen Three Took Four” from The Solar-Myth Approach Vol. 1 (1970 Actuel). Piano, Minimoog, Electric Organ, Clavinet, Sun Ra; Tenor Saxophone, Percussion, John Gilmore; among a huge host of others.

    Introduction to the podcast voiced by Anne Benkovitz.

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • An Electronic Music Mixed-Bag

    An Electronic Music Mixed-Bag
    Oct 19 2024
    Episode 135 An Electronic Music Mixed-Bag Playlist Time Track Time Start Introduction –Thom Holmes 06:28 00:00 John Bischoff, “The League Of Automatic Music Composers: Recording, December 17, 1978” from Lovely Little Records (1980 Lovely Music Ltd.). Tracks from this six-EP collection of new music from a variety of Lovely Music artists. Computer, David Behrman, Jim Horton, John Bischoff, Rich Gold; Mixing, "Blue" Gene Tyranny. “The League Of Automatic Music Composers makes music collaboratively by forming microcomputer networks. … For this performance, “each composer independently created a music program for his own microcomputer; we then mutually designed ways to internconnect our computers, and modified our programs to enable them to send data back and forth.” 08:40 06:58 Frankie Mann, “I Was a Hero” from “The Mayan Debutante Revue” (1979) from Lovely Little Records (1980 Lovely Music Ltd.). Tracks from this six-EP collection of new music from a variety of Lovely Music artists. Organ, bass guitar, voice, composed by Frankie Mann. “The Mayan Debutante Revue” is a reinterpretation of religious history. The work is a performance piece involving tape, slides, and one female performer.” 09:22 15:38 Frankie Mann, “How to be Very Very Popular” (1978) (excerpt) from Lovely Little Records (1980 Lovely Music Ltd.). Tracks from this six-EP collection of new music from a variety of Lovely Music artists. Tape editing, organ, synthesizer, voice, composed by Frankie Mann; voices, Julie Lifton, Ellen Welser, and unknown others. “How to be Very Very Popular” began as a letter-tape to my best friend. … Later I began composing electronic music, initially using homemade circuits and later using expensive synthesizers in college electronic music studios. My friend and I continued to send each other letters cross-country in tape form.” 08:49 24:58 Maggi Payne, “Lunar Dusk” from Lovely Little Records (1980 Lovely Music Ltd.). Recorded at the Center for Contemporary Music, Mills College, February 4, 1979. Composed, electronic music by Maggi Payne. This piece was “composed using the Moog and Aries synthesizers and the twelve-track recording studio at” Mills College. “Major concerns … are spatial location of sounds and complex timbral changes.” 07:59 33:46 The Commodores, “Machine Gun” from Machine Gun/There’s a Song in My Heart (1974 Motown). Single release featuring the early Commodores on this instrumental with Lionel Richie wailing along on the ARP Odyssey. 02:42 41:42 Billy Preston, “Space Race” from Space Race/We're Gonna Make It (1973 A&M). Single release. Preston was best known for his piano, Hammond, and Fender Rhodes work on Beatles’ records and his early solo work. By this time, he had picked-up on the unique sounds that synthesizers could conjure. He was inspired to create this song while experimenting with the ARP Pro-Soloist synthesizer. 03:26 44:24 George Duke, “Part 1 - The Alien Challenges The Stick / Part 2 - The Alien Succumbs To The Macho Intergalactic Funkativity Of The Funkblasters” from Master Of The Game (1979 Epic). Written by Byron Miller, David Myles, Ricky Lawson; Producer, Acoustic Guitar, Arranged By, Bells, Clavinet, Composed By, Fender Rhodes, Keyboards, Organ, ARP Odyssey, ARP String Ensemble, Minimoog, Oberheim, Prophet-5 and Crumar synthesizers, written by and vocals, George Duke; Bass, Byron Miller; Drums, Ricky Lawson; Guitar, David Myles. 09:21 47:46 Steve Roach, Side 2, “T.B.C.” (5:06); Canyon Sound (2:58); Time For Time (3:33); Reflector (6:50) from Traveler (1983 Domino). All music composed and performed on synthesizers by Steve Roach. American Roach has such a great legacy of electronic music that is clearly distinguishable from the German wave of the 1970s. This is from his first, official album released in 1983. 17:56 57:02 Reynold Weidenaar, “Twilight Flight” (6:56) (1977), “Close Harmony” (4:44) (1977), and “Imprint: Footfalls to Return” (5:04) (1981) from Reynold Weidenaar / Richard Brooks Music Visions (1986 Capstone Records). Weidenaar was formerly the editor of Bob Moog’s Electronic Music Review journal (1968-70) and an early user of the Moog Modular synthesizer. He was director of the electronic music studio at the Cleveland Institute of Music and at the time of this recording was on the faculty of the NYU films and television department. Twilight Flight” for electronic sounds was composed in 1977. “Close Harmony” for electronic sounds was composed in 1977. “Imprint: Footfalls to Return” for soprano voice and electronically modified sounds of the bare feet of Bharata-natyam Indian dancer was composed in 1981. 16:50 01:14:58 Eric Siday, three short works, “Night Tide” (2:56), “Communications No. 2” (0:24); and “Threat Attack” (2:05) from Musique Electronique (1960 Impress). Hard to find original disc by Siday, before he ventured into commercial recording using the ...
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    1 hr and 43 mins
  • From Organ to Synthesizer: The Evolution of the Yamaha Electone

    From Organ to Synthesizer: The Evolution of the Yamaha Electone
    Oct 5 2024
    Episode 134 From Organ to Synthesizer: The Evolution of the Yamaha Electone Playlist Time Track Time Start Introduction –Thom Holmes 06:56 00:00 Electone E-1, home style cabinet, transistorized oscillators, analog, two manuals, pedalboard, two built-in speakers. 1.Hidemi Saito, Tadashi Yoshida, “Kiriko No Tango” from Enchanting Mood (Electone Sound) (1963 Nivico). Composed by Tadashi Yoshida; Electone organ, Hidemi Saito. Used the Electone E-1 The highest-end Electone model at that time, with a starting price of ¥647.000 in 1962. 03:32 07:14 2.Hidemi Saito, Tadashi Yoshida, “Furare Jyozu Ni Hore Jyozu” from Enchanting Mood (Electone Sound) (1963 Nivico). Composed by, Tadashi Yoshida; Electone organ, Hidemi Saito. Used the Electone E-1 The highest-end Electone model at that time, with a starting price of ¥647.000 in 1962. 02:54 10:42 Electone B-6, home style cabinet, transistorized oscillators, analog, two manuals (44 notes each), pedalboard, two built-in speakers. 3.Koichi Oki, “September In The Rain” from Swingin' Electone! (1967 Takt). Arranged by, Electone organ, Koichi Oki; Bass, Masanaga Harada; Drums, George Otsuka, Akira Ishikawa; Guitar, Masaaki Fujita; Tenor Saxophone, Yasushi Ashida. The Electone model is not specified but it had two manuals and is likely a model A-3. 03:22 13:38 Electone EX-42, space age cabinet, like the GX-1, integrated circuits, Pulse Analog Synth (PASS) technology, three manuals, portamento strip, pedalboard. 4.Shiro Michi, “Hey Jude” from Let's Learn Electone/Shiro Michi Electone Course Vol. 5/ "All About The Rhythm" (1970 CBS/Sony). Drums, Takeshi Inomata; Electone, Yuri Tashiro; Percussion – Tokyo Cuban Boys Percussion Group. Used the EX-42, Yamaha's first commercially available stage model Electone, and the commercial successor to the EX-21. It is likely that less than 200 of these were built. 03:29 16:56 5.Shiro Michi, “Summertime” from Let's Learn Electone/Shiro Michi Electone Course Vol. 6 Jazz Standards and New Hits (1971 CBS/Sony).1970 — EX-42. Yamaha's first commercially available stage model Electone, and the commercial successor to the EX-21. It was the first Electone to use integrated circuits, although it was still based on analogue technology. Famous Electone players such as Shigeo Sekito used this instrument to make the "Special Sound Series.” Used the EX-42, Yamaha's first commercially available stage model Electone, and the commercial successor to the EX-21. It is likely that less than 200 of these were built. 02:17 20:20 6.Koichi Oki, “Light My Fire” from Yamaha Superstar! (1972 Universal Summit). Oki was known as the “world’s leading Yamaha Electone player” in the liner notes. Uses the Yamaha Electone EX-42. 02:59 22:32 7.Koichi Oki, “Spring” and “Summer” (side 1) from Exciting Keyboards - Four Seasons (1973 CBS/Sony). Arranged by, ARP Synthesizer, Electone [Electone Koichi Oki;Drums, Akira Ishikawa; Guitar, Ken Yajima. Music by Vivaldi, Koichi Oki. This release was dated 1978 but the recordings were made in 1973. Oki was a musician working for Yamaha in the early seventies, providing demonstrations of their Electone organ. The model used here was an EX-42, Yamaha's first commercially available stage model Electone, and the commercial successor to the EX-21. It was the first Electone to use integrated circuits, although it was still based on analogue technology. 21:34 25:30 8.Yuri Tashiro, “Summertime” from Beautiful Electone (1973 Polydor). Japanese jazz organist, pianist, and Electone artist from the 1970s. She also made some albums with the Hammond and its influence on her jazz playing is illustrated here in these Electone tracks. The side musicians are uncredited. 04:00 47:16 9.Yuri Tashiro, “Jazz Samba” from Beautiful Electone (1973 Polydor). Japanese jazz organist, pianist, and Electone artist from the 1970s. She also made some albums with the Hammond and its influence on her jazz playing is illustrated here in these Electone tracks. The side musicians are uncredited. 04:35 52:28 10. Archie Ulm, “Popcorn” from At The Yamaha EX-42 (1976 Private release). Ulm was another American lounge player equipped with the “electronic marvel” of the Yamaha EX-42. The classic Gershon Kingsley Moog tune played on the Electone EX-42. Percussion by Paul Hergert. 03:55 55:48 11. Archie Ulm, “Harlem Nocturne” from At The Yamaha EX-42 (1976 Private release). Ulm was another American lounge player equipped with the “electronic marvel” of the Yamaha EX-42. Percussion by Paul Hergert. 05:20 59:42 Electone E-70, home style cabinet, integrated circuits, Pulse Analog Synth (PASS) technology, two manuals, pedalboard, built-in speakers. Same circuit board as used in the Yamaha CS-80 synthesizer. 12. Denny Hinman, “How Deep is Your Love?” from Denny Plays The Yamaha Electone E-70 (1980 Yamaha). Ued the E-70 One of the first home-based organs to feature ...
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    1 hr and 35 mins
  • Sonic Adventures in Electronic Composition—The Ashley, Smith, and Hamilton Mix

    Sonic Adventures in Electronic Composition—The Ashley, Smith, and Hamilton Mix
    Sep 22 2024

    Episode 133

    Sonic Adventures in Electronic Composition—The Ashley, Smith, and Hamilton Mix

    Playlist

    Time

    Track Time

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    05:35

    00:00

    1. Tom Hamilton, “London Fix 2” from London Fix (2003 Muse Eek). Composed and produced by Tom Hamilton; Programmed by Michael J. Schumacher. Tom Hamilton first made his living in audio production then gradually shifted all of that work to new music. Tom worked on almost all of the late Robert Ashley CDs and tours since 1990. This disc is subtitled "Music Changing with the price of Gold. An environment of continuous electronic music created through a programming residency at Engine 27, New York City. Please play softly.”

    08:13

    05:42

    2. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, “Who I Am & Why I Am Where I Am” from The Kid (2017 Western Vinyl). Composed, produced, and performed by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is an American composer raised on Orcas Island in northwest Washington state. She attended the Berklee College of Music in order to study composition and sound engineering. Smith is a vocalist, classical guitarist, and electronic musician using a variety of modular setups.

    05:20

    13:56

    3. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, “I Am Curious, I Care” from The Kid (2017 Western Vinyl). Composed, produced, and performed by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.

    03:44

    19:22

    4. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, “I Will Make Room For You” from The Kid (2017 Western Vinyl). Composed, produced, and performed by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.

    04:58

    23:08

    5. Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, “To Feel Your Best” from The Kid (2017 Western Vinyl). Composed, produced, and performed by Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.

    06:20

    28:07

    6. Robert Ashley, “Superior Seven” from Superior Seven / Tract (1995 New World Records). Flute and computer programming, Barbara Held; Computer Programming, processing, and mixed by Tom Hamilton; synthesizer voices designed by Robert Ashley and Tom Hamilton; composed by Robert Ashely. Ashley was mostly known for his modern operas composed of dialog and new music. As a result, this instrumental work may not be what you expect from him. Superior Seven dates from 1988, just after the introduction of MIDI. Ashley fully explored MIDI for this work, writing a solo flute part with piano and a MIDI orchestra. Music was written for a flute player and pianist and audible cues triggered the engagement of MIDI instrumental parts controlled by a participating electronic musician (Hamilton). I saw this performed live and the results were startling.

    30:15

    34:16

    Opening background music: Tom Hamilton, “Region 6” (excerpt) from Sebastian's Shadow (1997 Monroe Street Music). Electronics and composed by Tom Hamilton. Sebastian's Shadow follow the harmonic order found in J. S. Bach's Fantasia And Fugue No. 4 (BWV 542) (15:23).

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The 2024 US Open Sound Experiment

    The 2024 US Open Sound Experiment
    Sep 7 2024

    Episode 132

    The 2024 US Open Sound Experiment

    Playlist

    Note: The starting times indicate at which time during the podcast a sound begins. The tracks often overlap based on the given length of each track.

    Time

    Track Time

    Start

    Introduction –Thom Holmes

    03:36

    00:00

    1. Chair Umpires

    01:19

    05:24

    2. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Granular effect, Classic.

    03:46

    05:40

    3. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Quick Sampler, Bent Guitar.

    06:16

    07:20

    4. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Blur

    01:50

    09:08

    5. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Low/High Cut.

    02:58

    10:56

    6. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Meta-Synth, Inertia setting

    25:16

    11:26

    7. Grandstand Stadium, Meta-Synth, Inertia setting,

    08:36

    12:16

    8. Grandstand Stadium, Auto-Filter, Constant Rise Four Bars.

    08:33

    29:48

    9. Grandstand Stadium, Arturia MiniFilter V, Beatchopper.

    08:33

    31:02

    10. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Delay Designer, Buzz Pattern.

    26:05

    34:40

    11. Louis Armstrong Stadium, Delay Designer, Pulse Groove.

    24:42

    54:36

    12. Grandstand Stadium, AutoFilter, Volume Gate Filter.

    22:31

    01:16:38

    13. Arthur Ashe Stadium, Pedlboard, Blue Echo, Squash Compressor.

    30:28

    01:36:28

    14. East Village Neighborhood, AutoFilter, Resonant High Pass; Delay Designer, Ring and Roll.

    27:28

    01:37:56

    15. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Granular effect, Classic.

    07:56

    02:02:48

    16. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Quick Sampler, Bent Guitar.

    08:02

    02:03:56

    17. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Blur

    03:46

    02:06:59

    18. USTA Billie Jean King Tennis Center—outer courts. Sample Alchemy, Spectral effect, Low/High Cut.

    02:54

    02:09:44

    Recording equipment used: Zoom Hn4 Pro digital recorder; Shure CVB-B/O Boundary Condenser Microphone; Boya Omnidirectional Cardioid XLR Lavalier Microphone.

    Opening background music: Opening background music: A mix of tennis recordings set to a track called “Make It Good” by DJ Tennis (2012 Life and Death). The tennis recordings include excerpts from Arthur Ashe, Learn Tennis (For Beginners & Advanced Players) (1974 Manhattan Recording Company), John Newcombe, Tennis With John Newcombe (1974 K-Tel), and Evonne Goolagong, Tennis Tips By Evonne Goolagong (1975 Fleetwood Records), narrated with questions by Bud Collins.

    Additional opening, closing, and other incidental music by Thom Holmes.

    My Books/eBooks: Electronic and Experimental Music, sixth edition, Routledge 2020. Also, Sound Art: Concepts and Practices, first edition, Routledge 2022.

    See my companion blog that I write for the Bob Moog Foundation.

    For a transcript, please see my blog, Noise and Notations.

    Original music by Thom Holmes can be found on iTunes and Bandcamp.
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    2 hrs and 15 mins