Tickets are on sale online, by phone at 204-989-4656, or in person at the Jazz Winnipeg office (007-100 Arthur St.) and The Park Theatre (additional service fees may apply).
I just want to take a moment to share some thoughts about my upcoming Jazz Winnipeg Nu Sounds performance (March 15). I’m very excited about the live remix project as my trio ( Julian Bradford & Brennan Saul) will be performing new material with two very talented and musical DJs, Nathan Reimer from Moses Mayes and Carlen Celejia a.k.a DJ Goodie Rang. In case you’re wondering what we’re doing, here is a bit of an explanation:
Nathan will have live signals from our instruments passing through to his computer, giving him the ability to sample, loop and effect anything we play. Besides looping or using pieces of what we play to add layers to the compositions, he can also add effects to our sounds in real time, changing the way we hear ourselves on stage. What excites me most is how the technology will affect the jazz process and the way we improvise. If all of a sudden my guitar tone is changing I’ll have to react to it in the moment and it will change the course of the tune we’re playing. Unlike static guitar effect pedals, Nathan is a dynamic living person who will be able to keep reacting to the changing sounds and manipulate our tones to his liking. The other day we experimented with filtering and effects on a swing pattern. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the sound of a swingin’ ride cymbal but as Brennen played the added layer of the changing tone was exhilarating!
Calren’s role in this show will be to paint atmospherically using sound samples from all over the known universe of recorded music. She has a device that allows her to record pieces of audio from her computer and use these samples in a musical way to enhance the vibe and storytelling aspect of the performances. For example, we’re planning on playing a jazz version of Royal Canoe‘s tune ‘Bathtubs’. Carlen can use any bits of sound she likes from their recording at any time during our performance. She can sample their vocals, strings, and drums or she might use sounds from bathtubs, water, or less literally anything she might associate with Royal Canoe and her interpreted meaning of their song. When you bring WIFI into the equation, the real-time possibilities of what she can do is overwhelming (in a good way!).
Honestly, I can’t wait for this show. Electronic music has been around since the 1950’s (and earlier) but never before has the technology been so affordable and easy to use in real-time. Now, the DJs can improvise with us just like a jazz musician at any other performance.
We hope you’ll join us for the adventure!
Cheers,
Keith