Monday, February 25, 2008

Episode 058 - feat. Merietta Oviatt, Yeah Yeah Yemen, Ben Mason, George Sarah

Merietta Oviatt - "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
The Yeah Yeah Yemen - "Al Musafrin"
Ben Mason - "Lemming Song Black"
George Sarah - "Afterglow"

http://bowed.org/058/058.mp3

Hello everyone,

Merietta Oviatt is a violist based in Las Vegas, who brings her unique string arrangements of old-time gospel tunes. These arrangements are for multi-tracked viola - a boon or all you violists who are feeling underrepresented on this show!

The Yeah Yeah Yemen are a group based in London comprised of Yemeni and German musicians, self described as a "travelling circus," incorporating Arabic and European sounds into a musical creole of sorts. In late 2007, the group was playing in areas all across Yemen, collaborating with local high-profile musicians and composing one song for each area they visited. This piece is taken from a live on-air performance on Yemeni radio.

Ben Mason is a violinist and digital artist from North Carolina whose recordings are improvised live with electric violin and computer. His work is programmatic like many film soundtracks, though more engaged. Several of his works are available for free download from his website.

And finally, George Sarah is an electronic artist who performs his work on synthesizers and drum machies accompanied by live strings. His work has been featured on numerous television shows and films.

So long kids!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Monday, February 18, 2008

Episode 057 - feat. Anna Stafford, Emily Price, The Upton Trio, Chapa

Anna Stafford - "Many Thoughts"
Emily Price - "Supper Time"
The Upton Trio - Eicha
Chapa - "A Look to the West"

http://bowed.org/057/057.mp3

Hello everyone,

A quick note: I still have not been able to generate sufficient financial support for the program to keep it going. If you enjoy the format of the show as it currently is, please consider offering your financial support.

Starting things off is violinist Anna Stafford, a rock violinist from southern California. She has the unique ability to create an aggressive rock sound using only strings. Those who have been catching the String Quartet Tribute series on Vitamin Records may also recognize her name - she spearheaded the String Quartet Tribute To INXS among many others.

Emily Price is a cellist out of New York who builds her sound with mutli-tracking and looping while experimenting with timbre and tone color to create something new and off-beat. A lot of fun. And you gotta love that scratchy old turntable sound!

The Upton Trio is a modern classical chamber ensemble based out South Carolina featuring Mary Lee Taylor on violin, and Billy Shepherd on piano. The Uptons have a new cellist named Dusan Vukajlovic, but this piece, from a performance in 2000, features cellist Jacqueline Taylor. This piece was composed by Miera Warshauer.

Chapa is a group led by guitarist Russ Chapa and drummer Deacon who create a rich stew of music incorporating traditions from around the world and a dense mixture of melodies. Dizzying in its arrangement yet majestic in its groove - these guys are unlike anyone you've heard before.

This show comes to you from the local Panera Bread

So long kids!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Monday, February 11, 2008

Episode 056 - feat. Unwoman, Bella Rumore, Ethel, Shauna Burns

Unwoman - "Compliance"
Bella Rumore - "Whiter Shade of Pale"
Ethel - "Sambula"
Shauna Burns - "Chamber"

http://bowed.org/056/056.mp3

Hello everyone,

Sorry no show last week -- I'll try and make it up to youse.

Starting things off is neo-goth cellist Unwoman with that deep rich cello tone front and center. This cut is the lead track from her brand spanking new disc Blossoms. She was featured earlier on episode 033 of this program.

Bella Rumore is another repeat guest on this show. This Las Vegas string act does hip arco covers of popular classic rock tunes. When I heard this rendition of "Whiter Shade of Pale," I was hooked.

Ethel is one of my favorite groups. A relentlessly creative quartet - unafraid to be aggressive, unafraid to experiment. This is a cut from their latest disc Light. If you have a chance, be sure to check out one of their "Truckstop" performances (see their MySpace page for details)

Closing out the show is pianst Shauna Burns. Her latest disc is a brooding piece called The Moon and the Fire Circle that features the cello of John Minor on numerous tracks. I'm sure you'll enjoy their collaboration.

I am still looking for sponsors to help support this program - if your local music school or instrument shop is interested in supporting the show, please send along a copy of the rate sheet. Support is negotiable!

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender