02/02/2016 (Continuous Resonance Solo Improvisation 2 of 2)

Neil Welch Continuous Resonance Solo Project 2016

Date: 02/02/2016
Location: Main performance hall at Chief Sealth International High School. Seattle, WA
Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Notes: Improv 2 of 2

I recorded this improvisation during a morning of extreme frustration. I mistakenly deleted a number of improvisations from the month of January while working on my computer before practicing/recording today. I felt almost in a state of mourning as I recorded this piece and a second improvisation.

While improvising this piece I tried to create layers of pointillist melodic activity that were intentionally imbalanced. I want some layers to rise of higher than others all the while maintain a drone beneath.

The image accompanying the post today by Kim Hiorthoy.

01/31/2016 (Continuous Resonance Solo Improvisation)

Neil Welch Continuous Resonance Solo Project

Date: 01/31/2016
Location:
Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Notes:

This improvisation is a drone-based piece using continuous flutter tonguingâa very challenging and physically taxing technique to do while humming/singing into the horn. I was particularly intrigued by the high pitched whisper tones that would enter the sound field from my saliva interacting with the deluge of activity in the room.

The image Mothia Cs, 1989 accompanying the post today by Pier Paolo Calzoloari.

01/28/2016 (Continuous Resonance Solo Improvisation)

Neil Welch Continuous Resonance Solo Project

Date: 01/28/2016
Location: Practice Room C at South Whidbey High School. Langley, WA (Whidbey Island)
Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Notes:

Here I worked to create a palette wash of harmony on top of which I could place melodic bits and pieces.

The image N'Nex (2013-14) accompanying the post today by Julia Dault.

01/24/2016 (Continuous Resonance Solo Improvisation)

Neil Welch Continuous Resonance Solo Project

Date: 01/24/2016
Location: Thornton Creek House. Seattle, WA
Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Notes:

I recorded this improvisation after spending about 2 hours listening to Tibetan Monk chanting. I explored the horn for some time in search of am of assimilation of timbral similarity to the recording I was listening to, which included charting, percussion instruments, bells other ambient room sounds. In particular, I wanted to see if I could capture some semblance of the deep, meditative spirit I felt while listening to this music.

The image accompanying the post today is by Tibetan Thankga artists.

01/23/2016 (Continuous Resonance Solo Improvisation)

Neil Welch Continuous Resonance Solo Project

Date: 01/23/2016
Location: Thornton Creek House. Seattle, WA
Instrument: Tenor saxophone

Notes:

I found myself alone in mid-day in my house, which is a true rarity. I felt a wash of calm and stillness as I practiced, and decided to document this true rarity as well.

The image Whale, 2006 accompanying the post today by Jacco Olivier.