Before - After are creations for piano and saxophone (tenor/soprano), selected from among dozens and dozens of pieces. Rich Pellegrin and I met on 3 separate occasions on Whidbey Island to record.
From the saxophone side of this duo, I found myself recording a document of pure improvisation, or at least acting on pure sonic and emotional impulse. But for the piano, in what Rich brought, it is something quite different. Rich played what I would describe as 'prepared improvisation,' meaning the overarching sound concepts such as tempo, general dynamic range, and rhythm sets seemed to be worked out ahead of time. But how the pieces twist and turn in their phrasing, subtle dynamics, orchestration, keys, attack, etc. are left up to chance. From my end, I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what was about to come out of the piano. I replied on impulse, instinct, and core ability. This is a rare kind of immersive composition and improvisation. These pieces are unedited in the content, meaning no splicing together sections or omitting phrases. Significant work was done in post-production sonically, such as adding reverb and manipulating eq to maximize certain qualities in the sound. However, these were used as tools to enhance the core material.
Cheers, and thank you for listening.
'Topography'
Topography, by Rich Pellegrin featuring Neil Welch.
"An escape from the mind-numbing necessities of modern life… A subtle resonance that glows within the music's spaciousness imbues the soundscapes with a spirituality born of the natural world." - All About Jazz (★★★★)
‘Topography is a masterful celebration of connection—between musicians, environment, and audience. Pellegrin’s improvisational compositions and talent complement Welch’s earthy, textural approach, resulting in a soundscape that mirrors the spirit of the PNW and offers listeners a meditative escape within the rhythms and beauty of the natural world.’ -Earshot Jazz (written by David Benedict)
'Cosmic Moments' by Here to Play
‘Cosmic Moments’ available now. This is the follow-up release to the self-titled Here to Play album.
‘Flowing from the galactic avant spirit, ‘Cosmic Moments’ is the second release by Here to Play. Recorded in a single session, Kep, Mines and Welch let the tape roll to create music fit for astral traveling.’
"the ink around it" available now
“Combining profound humility with a tectonic technique, Welch approaches the saxophone family as a transmaterial collaboration, an alloy of sound and soul.” -All About Jazz
Featuring 2 long-form pieces, including "Puhpohwee" for solo saxophone and "Concepción Picciotto" for an 11 member ensemble (mezzo soprano vocalist, saxophone section, string trio and rhythm section), “the ink around it” explores the vibrant, lush abundance of the natural world and the human interference within the biodiversity that threatens our one, beautiful earth-home. Available online via bandcamp
Album release Nov 11th -- "the ink around it"
November 11th at the Chapel Performance Space (Seattle)
7:30-9:30pm, $10-20 sliding scale at the door.
Covid protocols in place. Click the link below to learn more!
Featuring 2 long-form pieces, including "Puhpohwee" for solo saxophone and "Concepción Picciotto" for an 11 member ensemble (mezzo soprano vocalist, saxophone section, string trio and rhythm section), “the ink around it” explores the vibrant, lush abundance of the natural world and the human interference within the biodiversity that threatens our one, beautiful earth-home. Available online via bandcamp and other streaming sources. Links to come soon!
Cover desire by Marie Morrow