Introduction
i:GO is a project driven by`Free Ensemble Improvisation` and the guitar.
The starting location is North Wales, later it may become national.
The ensemble target number is eight and above.
Improvisation is to be found within the framework and discipline of all musical practices and genres. This project’s starting point is Free Ensemble Improvisation, improvisations made without prior preparation.
The thought of free improvisation on a large scale featuring the guitar in all of its shapes, sizes and not to mention pedal effects and processing may make some of us whince and reach for our ear plugs - but fear not, the curators of this project propose to use `System 50:50` to thin out the sound and bring cohesion to the process.
Compositions, graphic scores or other contemporary improvisation-directing strategies are not part of the thinking. They may appear later on, hopefully not!
The concept of i:GO will be workshopped, nay it has been workshopped and works.
Pre pandemic we rehearsed and the i:GO methodology works. It supports and advances excellence in the aesthetic of Free Ensemble Improvisation delivered by a guitar ensemble.
The starting point is a minimum of eight players, regularly available to rehearse, attend rehearsals, share and exchange ideas and reaction to the sounds produced and then take it from there.
There are `subs` of £5.00 to cover the costs of the project and to finance its progress and development. Funding will also be looked into.
Interested? Register your interest by completing the registration form (refer to the tab `Register`) and we will contact you.
Russ Grant about i:GO
Some thoughts from Russ Grant
During the course of 20th Century the guitar and it’s playing evolved rapidly. Predominant in musical genres such as jazz, blues, rock, it also secured a firm footing in classical repertoire. Some musicians explored and crossed geographical and musical continents and ‘boundaries’ . There are now guitars and guitar players in every corner of the world. Players can learn to ‘play in a day’ then set themselves on a never-ending joyful journey. The versatility and accessibility of the instrument, its responsiveness and now super-gigantic tone-palette make it well-placed for Free Improvisation
About System 50:50
Short introduction to `System 50:50`
The i:GO project explores free improvisation in music in a large ensemble context. It uses the ‘System 50:50` - where chess clocks are used to bring cohesion to the sound field which can often become cluttered. The result is a dynamic and shifting canvas of sound that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project to participate in, to witness and to hear.
A quote: On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.” - Charlie Collins, free improviser, Sheffield.
History
Timeline - what happens next
Launch date, first rehearsal: July 2019
i:GO Wales met up to five times in Bethesda, Bangor - we established proof of method, then cam the pandemic! but we are back!
Subs: £5.00 per session are waived during the launch phase and will be reviewed after three sessions.
Location. To be decided, under consideration, the North wales A55 corridor Bangor to Chester
Action: If you are interested , please complete the registration form in the registration tab.
Curators: Phil Morton (Liverpool) Russ Grant (Llanrwst)
Tŷ Sain
The Tŷ Sain concert series, based in Bangor Gwynedd, is back and the i:GO ensemble could be a regular part of the Tŷ Sain concert schedule.