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U TOTEM performs Dance of the Awkward at New Music Montreal
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Title: U TOTEM performs Dance of the Awkward at New Music Montreal
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "Dance of the Awkward" ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "Dance of the Awkward" ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Title: U TOTEM performs FUTILITY OF ONENESS
Description: "Futility of Oneness" ©1990 Kerman, Kumar, Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all those funky "special effects") NOTES ON THE MUSIC: One of the joys of playing with U TOTEM was being able to perform some pieces originally recorded by 5UU's, such as this piece from the "Elements" album. That project focused on the creation of music in the recording studio, with many pieces starting out as a frenzied drum track in an impossible meter. To perform these pieces it was necessary to "reverse engineer" the music - to notate from the recording, and then rehearse. This is the opposite of the process used in pieces such as "Vagabonds Home", which were through-composed in advance and rehearsed extensively before entering the recording studio.
Description: "Futility of Oneness" ©1990 Kerman, Kumar, Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all those funky "special effects") NOTES ON THE MUSIC: One of the joys of playing with U TOTEM was being able to perform some pieces originally recorded by 5UU's, such as this piece from the "Elements" album. That project focused on the creation of music in the recording studio, with many pieces starting out as a frenzied drum track in an impossible meter. To perform these pieces it was necessary to "reverse engineer" the music - to notate from the recording, and then rehearse. This is the opposite of the process used in pieces such as "Vagabonds Home", which were through-composed in advance and rehearsed extensively before entering the recording studio.
Title: U TOTEM performs The Judas Goat / Imperfections
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "The Judas Goat / Imperfections" ©1990 James Grigsby, Eric Johnson-Tamai, David Kerman, Sanjay Kumar Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "The Judas Goat / Imperfections" ©1990 James Grigsby, Eric Johnson-Tamai, David Kerman, Sanjay Kumar Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Title: U TOTEM performs HOT & COLD FROG at New Music Montreal
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "Hot & Cold Frog" ©1986 David Kerman Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal November 5, 1990 "Hot & Cold Frog" ©1986 David Kerman Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Title: U TOTEM performs ONE NAIL DRAWS ANOTHER (Part 1)
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "One Nail Draws Another" (part one of two) ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass NOTES ON THE MUSIC: A comprehensive analysis of this piece was written by Brandon Derfler and published by the Indiana University School of Music in 2002 in Volume 21 of the Indiana Theory Review (U Totem's "One Nail Draws Another" as Art Music). This excellent article covers the major aspects of the piece: the integration between 12-tone serial and diatonic themes, the use of quotations, the formal structure, the contrast between strictly notated and indeterminate rhythms, the use of rhythmic augmentation/diminution and additive/subtractive processes as developmental rather than formal devices. The lyrics to this piece were influenced by George Orwell, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Music from Big Pink", and various foreign language primers. NOTES ON THE PERFORMANCE: Though many members of the audience were paying rapt attention, this was after all a nightclub and there was constant distraction from the rowdy crowd, who perhaps were saving their attention for the headline act. If you listen closely you can even hear the loud banter of a certain well known guitarist (initials F.F.) who was busy playing billiards during our set. Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all the funky "special effects")
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "One Nail Draws Another" (part one of two) ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass NOTES ON THE MUSIC: A comprehensive analysis of this piece was written by Brandon Derfler and published by the Indiana University School of Music in 2002 in Volume 21 of the Indiana Theory Review (U Totem's "One Nail Draws Another" as Art Music). This excellent article covers the major aspects of the piece: the integration between 12-tone serial and diatonic themes, the use of quotations, the formal structure, the contrast between strictly notated and indeterminate rhythms, the use of rhythmic augmentation/diminution and additive/subtractive processes as developmental rather than formal devices. The lyrics to this piece were influenced by George Orwell, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Music from Big Pink", and various foreign language primers. NOTES ON THE PERFORMANCE: Though many members of the audience were paying rapt attention, this was after all a nightclub and there was constant distraction from the rowdy crowd, who perhaps were saving their attention for the headline act. If you listen closely you can even hear the loud banter of a certain well known guitarist (initials F.F.) who was busy playing billiards during our set. Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all the funky "special effects")
Title: U TOTEM performs ONE NAIL DRAWS ANOTHER (Part 2)
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "One Nail Draws Another" (part two of two) ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass NOTES ON THE MUSIC: A comprehensive analysis of this piece was written by Brandon Derfler and published by the Indiana University School of Music in 2002 in Volume 21 of the Indiana Theory Review (U Totem's "One Nail Draws Another" as Art Music). This excellent article covers the major aspects of the piece: the integration between 12-tone serial and diatonic themes, the use of quotations, the formal structure, the contrast between strictly notated and indeterminate rhythms, the use of rhythmic augmentation/diminution and additive/subtractive processes as developmental rather than formal devices. The lyrics to this piece were influenced by George Orwell, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Music from Big Pink", and various foreign language primers. NOTES ON THE PERFORMANCE: Though many members of the audience were paying rapt attention, this was after all a nightclub and there was constant distraction from the rowdy crowd, who perhaps were saving their attention for the headline act. If you listen closely you can even hear the loud banter of a certain well known guitarist (initials F.F.) who was busy playing billiards during our set. Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all the funky "special effects")
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "One Nail Draws Another" (part two of two) ©1990 James Grigsby Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass NOTES ON THE MUSIC: A comprehensive analysis of this piece was written by Brandon Derfler and published by the Indiana University School of Music in 2002 in Volume 21 of the Indiana Theory Review (U Totem's "One Nail Draws Another" as Art Music). This excellent article covers the major aspects of the piece: the integration between 12-tone serial and diatonic themes, the use of quotations, the formal structure, the contrast between strictly notated and indeterminate rhythms, the use of rhythmic augmentation/diminution and additive/subtractive processes as developmental rather than formal devices. The lyrics to this piece were influenced by George Orwell, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, "Music from Big Pink", and various foreign language primers. NOTES ON THE PERFORMANCE: Though many members of the audience were paying rapt attention, this was after all a nightclub and there was constant distraction from the rowdy crowd, who perhaps were saving their attention for the headline act. If you listen closely you can even hear the loud banter of a certain well known guitarist (initials F.F.) who was busy playing billiards during our set. Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all the funky "special effects")
Title: U TOTEM performs VAGABONDS HOME (Part 1)
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Vagabonds Home (part one)" ©1990 James Grigsby, Michael Herrin Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" NOTE: The reason Emily is frowning and shaking her head (about 2 minutes in) is because the sound engineer has added an echo effect on the flute. Also notice how the audience talks throughout. Ah, the joys of live performance!
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Vagabonds Home (part one)" ©1990 James Grigsby, Michael Herrin Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" NOTE: The reason Emily is frowning and shaking her head (about 2 minutes in) is because the sound engineer has added an echo effect on the flute. Also notice how the audience talks throughout. Ah, the joys of live performance!
Title: U TOTEM performs VAGABONDS HOME (Part 2)
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Vagabonds Home (part two)" ©1990 James Grigsby, Michael Herrin Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Vagabonds Home (part two)" ©1990 James Grigsby, Michael Herrin Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour"
Title: U TOTEM performs BOTH YOUR HOUSES
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Both Your Houses" ©1990 Kerman, Kumar, Grigsby, Beck Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all those funky "special effects") NOTES ON THE VIDEO: The first few bars of this piece are missing on the original video - probably a mistake that occurred during the taping. By the way, we did not arrange to have this performance taped, but we are happy to have it, especially now after all these years. We believe the show was taped by the producer of a local cable television show, with a handheld videocam and built-in microphone from the balcony of the Montreal nightclub called "Foufounes Electriques". After the concert, we were told that the tape had been made - a few weeks later we received a VHS copy in the mail. We do not know if this was ever broadcast in Montreal, but this YouTube rendering is certainly the first time that most of our listeners have seen it.
Description: U TOTEM in concert at New Music Montreal - November 5, 1990 "Both Your Houses" ©1990 Kerman, Kumar, Grigsby, Beck Sanjay Kumar, Keyboards David Kerman, Drums Eric Johnson-Tamai, Bassoon Emily Hay, Flute, Voice James Grigsby, Bass Original video shot by "The Wendy Hour" (including all those funky "special effects") NOTES ON THE VIDEO: The first few bars of this piece are missing on the original video - probably a mistake that occurred during the taping. By the way, we did not arrange to have this performance taped, but we are happy to have it, especially now after all these years. We believe the show was taped by the producer of a local cable television show, with a handheld videocam and built-in microphone from the balcony of the Montreal nightclub called "Foufounes Electriques". After the concert, we were told that the tape had been made - a few weeks later we received a VHS copy in the mail. We do not know if this was ever broadcast in Montreal, but this YouTube rendering is certainly the first time that most of our listeners have seen it.
Title: MOTOR TOTEMIST GUILD Music & Dance of LAOS & CAMBODIA
Description: "Flower of Laos" (traditional) Performed by Musicians and Dancers of Laos and Cambodia with Motor Totemist Guild: Emily Hay, Piccolo Lynn Johnston, Bass Clarinet Becky Heninger, Cello David Kerman, Drums Eric Strauss, Violin James Grigsby, Bass Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 Long Beach, California
Description: "Flower of Laos" (traditional) Performed by Musicians and Dancers of Laos and Cambodia with Motor Totemist Guild: Emily Hay, Piccolo Lynn Johnston, Bass Clarinet Becky Heninger, Cello David Kerman, Drums Eric Strauss, Violin James Grigsby, Bass Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 Long Beach, California
Title: ROYAL CAPITAL OF LAOS
Description: MUSICIANS OF LAOS The Royal Capital (traditional) Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 - Long Beach, California NOTE: This concert was a collaboration between Motor Totemist Guild and Musicians and Dancers from Laos and Cambodia. This portion of the concert featured only the Lao ensemble.
Description: MUSICIANS OF LAOS The Royal Capital (traditional) Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 - Long Beach, California NOTE: This concert was a collaboration between Motor Totemist Guild and Musicians and Dancers from Laos and Cambodia. This portion of the concert featured only the Lao ensemble.
Title: MOTOR TOTEMIST GUILD performs SET OF CRAYONS
Description: MOTOR TOTEMIST GUILD Set of Crayons (©1988 James Grigsby) Emily Hay, Flute, Piccolo Lynn Johnston, Clarinet Becky Heninger, Cello David Kerman, Drums Eric Strauss, Percussion James Grigsby, Keyboard Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 Long Beach, California Note: The Lao and Cambodian musicians were part of this concert, but not this piece. See "Flower of Laos" for an example of everyone playing together.
Description: MOTOR TOTEMIST GUILD Set of Crayons (©1988 James Grigsby) Emily Hay, Flute, Piccolo Lynn Johnston, Clarinet Becky Heninger, Cello David Kerman, Drums Eric Strauss, Percussion James Grigsby, Keyboard Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 Long Beach, California Note: The Lao and Cambodian musicians were part of this concert, but not this piece. See "Flower of Laos" for an example of everyone playing together.
Title: THE CAMBODIAN WALK
Description: MUSICIANS OF CAMBODIA The Cambodian Walk (traditional) Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 - Long Beach, California NOTE: This concert was a collaboration between Motor Totemist Guild and Musicians and Dancers from Laos and Cambodia. This portion of the concert featured only the Cambodian ensemble.
Description: MUSICIANS OF CAMBODIA The Cambodian Walk (traditional) Concert curated by Titus Levi, COMA May 7, 1988 - Long Beach, California NOTE: This concert was a collaboration between Motor Totemist Guild and Musicians and Dancers from Laos and Cambodia. This portion of the concert featured only the Cambodian ensemble.
Title: BLUEBIRD SCANS by James Grigsby
Description: NOTES ON THE VIDEO: This video is dedicated to one of the Scan Masters of the early 1990's Usenet, who went by the pseudonym of "BlueBird" and specialized in the scanning of shashinshu. BlueBird scans were generally posted under the alt.binaries.pictures hierarchy. NOTES ON THE MUSIC: This music uses my own system of polychordal harmony, based on complementary scales. The form is essentially theme and variations (ABABA) with the variations created by polyrhythmic cut-outs - inserting silences to create movement in a static texture.
Description: NOTES ON THE VIDEO: This video is dedicated to one of the Scan Masters of the early 1990's Usenet, who went by the pseudonym of "BlueBird" and specialized in the scanning of shashinshu. BlueBird scans were generally posted under the alt.binaries.pictures hierarchy. NOTES ON THE MUSIC: This music uses my own system of polychordal harmony, based on complementary scales. The form is essentially theme and variations (ABABA) with the variations created by polyrhythmic cut-outs - inserting silences to create movement in a static texture.
Title: BLACK PHOEBE by James Grigsby
Description: NOTES ON THE VIDEO: I'd like to help reverse the current trend in music videos, in which there's much more happening in the video than in the music. NOTES ON THE MUSIC: This is a recent composition for eight channels of sampled instruments and sounds. The pitch organization is dodecaphonic. The form is steady-state and the variations in density are regulated by groups of silences with durations corresponding to prime numbers between 41 and 97. Rhythmic figurations, orchestration and other parameters were intuitively composed. This piece was inspired by a particular bird of the species Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) I watched catching insects in the air in my backyard.
Description: NOTES ON THE VIDEO: I'd like to help reverse the current trend in music videos, in which there's much more happening in the video than in the music. NOTES ON THE MUSIC: This is a recent composition for eight channels of sampled instruments and sounds. The pitch organization is dodecaphonic. The form is steady-state and the variations in density are regulated by groups of silences with durations corresponding to prime numbers between 41 and 97. Rhythmic figurations, orchestration and other parameters were intuitively composed. This piece was inspired by a particular bird of the species Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) I watched catching insects in the air in my backyard.
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