Freight Elevator Quartet
with Mark McNamara
The Freight Elevator Quartet, joined by the video
artist Mark McNamara, presented another fresh variation of how technology
has influenced live performance in various genres, this time in the realm
of beat-oriented electronica. There are numerous twists on the genre in
the group that were evident in the evening's performance: although heavily
dependent on samples, the entire piece, "The Revolution Will Be
Streamed," also depends on the live coordination of the efforts of
each member: Rachael Finn's live processed cello, Paul Feuer's keyboard
sounds and the results of R. Luke DuBois' real-time signal processing
Max/MSP interfaces are all mixed live by Stephen Krieger, who also
manipulates and processes the drum loops (as well as some of the other
instruments in the mix) in real-time with rack-mounted signal processors.
The Freight Elevator Quartet was able to take advantage of the precarious
relationship between all of the performers, one of the key elements of the
excitement of a live performance, as well as the sonic wizardry of
manipulation and shaping possible in the realm of digital audio.
The
elements of electronica were there, distilled and blown apart in a tight
12-minute multimedia experience: amidst the mix of ambient sections,
jungle and down-tempo beats, and dizzying experimental sonic collage
sections was the looming presence of McNamara's video images, which
brought several cohesive themes to the experience while accessing a wide range of
references and associations. Along with anime references, images of
exploration, technology and humanity, the video engaged the audience in a
extremely direct way: during the piece, McNamara used a video camera to
capture the audience as a background for visual manipulation in Image/ine,
giving the audience the audience/performer-role-blurring experience of
watching themselves taking part in the performance by watching the
performance.
With such a wide array of stimuli to focus on, the experience
tested the sensory capabilities of the audience, yet in a manner that was
engaging, powerful, and thoroughly fresh.
Report written by Jonathan Lee
Click here for Program Notes
Video excerpt from
Freight Elevator Quartet
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