Norman Adams, AD of suddenlyLISTEN asked Hermitofthewoods (aka Michael McGuire) a few probing questions this week, and here’s what he answered: 1. What will you be doing for Arrythmia? Improvising? Telling stories? Reading poetry? I think, for the most part, that Read More …
As I now sit at home in Halifax, having experienced the past week and especially the most recent two whirlwind days, the tour seems a bit like a distant blur already. Hamilton to Toronto was a pretty straightforward transfer, with Read More …
The Hammer. Who knew there was improvised music there? Well, I don’t think there was very much until Cem Zafir arrived last year. Cem is the ultimate free jazz enabler. Over the years he has presented some of the world’s Read More …
Vancouver and Victoria are so fortunate to have artist-run centres that are dedicated to new music programming. Halifax had the Khyber, which in its day was an institutional (almost) equivalent, but our Khyber is almost lost to municipal mistrust, misunderstanding, Read More …
One of the other temples of improvised music is The Western Front in Vancouver. It’s one of the countries oldest artist-run centres, and it has shown or presented many of Canada’s most important visual and performing artists over its long Read More …
Casa del Popolo on Rue St. Laurent, is one of the Canadian temples of adventurous live music, and last night was a special as we all debuted there. I haven’t been in Montreal for a shamefully long time, but I Read More …
It’s quite an undertaking touring a group of musicians. In Canada at least fringe art forms need financial help. The Canada Council helps with that if your project is super strong, your gigs are good and you’re lucky. Croft/Adams/Pearse have Read More …
I have been listening to and hearing about Pierre-Yves Martel for years, he’s been on my to-invite list for quite a while. The reason for that is all about the viola da gamba. It’s such an ancient, and more importantly Read More …
I don’t measure years the same way as many people do, So looking back in January is a little strange. Because of years of Symphony programming and suddenlyLISTEN planning, my years are measured in seasons – September to May (summer Read More …
I met Magali Babin when we were both serving on a Canada Council jury together, several years ago. (Jury service always yields new friendships and collaborations I find, (at least arts juries…I’m not sure about the other kinds…). I found Read More …