field//// is releasing a live DVD at Graffiti Gallery Saturday night. The band consists of Greg Hanec on violin, clarinet, drums, and floor; Thor Aitkenhead on guitar, synthesizer and assorted sounds; Tavis Walker on saxophone, flute, keyboards; and Scott Ellenberger on upright bass, trumpet, and trombone.
field//// (l-r) Scott Ellenberger, Tavis Walker, Greg Hanec, and Thor Aitkenhead (supplied photo)
field//// has been together since Oct. 2010 and has performed many concerts over the years.
This is their first DVD release. The DVD was shot and directed by Brian Longfield and captures a performance from the Graffitti Gallery on Nov. 24, 2012. Brian did some pretty interesting edits and captured the performance nicely.
field/// performed at Graffitti Gallery Oct. 24, 2012 (l-r) Scott Ellenberger, Tavis Walker and Greg Hanec (missing: Thor Aitkenhead) PHOTO: Doug Kretchmer
Greg Hanec gave me an advance copy of the DVD to review. It’s interesting to watch the four musicians switch instruments several times as they wind their way through the 50-minute DVD. The accomplished artists create a soundscape which is captivating and intriguing.
(supplied photo)
Hanec calls it ‘arranged freeform’ and as I watched the DVD I was reminded of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, or John Zorn, with their unconventional approach to the instruments they were playing.
For example, Scott Ellenberger at one point has his upright bass on the ground with a spoon wedged between the strings as he drums on the bridge of the instrument. And Hanec uses the floor and a support beam as his instrument using two sticks like drumsticks, while he beats out some rhythms.
There are just three pieces on the DVD but the flow and feel of the compositions takes you on a musical journey unlike any I have experienced in some time.
I have seen field//// perform on several occasions over the years and they always seem to keep it fresh and original.
They will be having the DVD launch at 9pm Sat. Nov. 15 at the Graffiti Gallery, 109 Higgins Ave. They will be screening the DVD ‘Between Drawn Lines’. Also appearing will be Loominocity who apparently make music with weaving looms. I’m not sure if they will be weaving concert t-shirts to sell at he end of the show, but it sounds like it will be an entertaining evening.
Photos by Doug Kretchmer
Poster and photo in field supplied by field////
