Introduction
Chris Hills Babble and Squeak brought Phil Morton's System 50:50 for improvisers to London on November 6th 2022, it was a rewarding and fun day for 19 improvisers and a small audience at the Hundred Years Gallery. Chris and Phil are back at the Hundred Years Gallery on the dates noted below. The aim during 2023 is to increase the frequency of the sessions, to include session in Birmingham and to later in 2023 develop the Half The Sky concept.
Two dates for your diary
- Sunday April 23rd 2023 @ 3.00 - 6.00
- Sunday June 11th 2023 @ 3.00 - 6.00 To be confirmed.
Why not enjoy an afternoon of ensemble improvisation that will explore longstanding improviser Phil Morton's unique chess clock-based performance methodology.
The players will be drawn from the experimental and improvised music scene in London and are familiar names to many as performers in their own right and as regular participants in the London Improvisers Orchestra and Eddie Prevost's Workshop among other vehicles for the promotion of free improvised music.
About System 50:50
What is System 50:50?
A detailed summary is here: CLICK THIS LINK
Quick summary using 50:50 ratio
Each player `improvises` for 50% of the piece
Each player is `tacet` for 50% of the piece
The totals are aggregated
Each player/improviser has their own clock and manages their own production of sound and application of silence.
Each player has `agency` over the content they share during the performance.
Phil Morton (Liverpool:UK) developed this system during a ten year, nay 20 year period. Phil Morton has been active in `free improvisation` as a player, promoter, teacher, since 1998 and as a listener since 1968. He commends this project `to the house` to the genre of free ensemble improvisation, as a unique methodology that unpicks the complexity of this music, its sounds, our reactions and emotions using a simple method. Phil Morton's personal belief is that this is a gift that will keep on giving. A bold statement, it maybe a fallacy, or of substance, the research process will explore this and find out. If you would like to be involved, contribute, debate, whether you are local or global please make contact.
Phil Morton
What people say about system 50;50
System 50/50 works well - it’s a really good way to get a group to play effectively without egos , virtuosity , and shyness getting in the way. It is democratic, inclusive. coherent, leaderless, focused, there is room to think and time to listen, choices. It is less competitive more cooperative. Ends well. Simon Ross (Macclesfield), Blank Canvas - Liverpool
On system 50:50 “Definitely something with LOADS of possibilities - the reaction in the car driving back was unbelievably positive - no one could remember playing in a large ensemble that was so "open". The openness allowed me to play quietly, which meant the dynamics were incredible for an improvising large ensemble.” - Charlie Collins Sheffield
It seems to me that any attempt to restrict what free improvisers play, presents a threat to the core nature of their music. Generally, 'To play or not play' is about as far as any predetermination can productively go, the player retaining (almost!) complete formal agency regarding when and what(s)he decides to play - Dan Goren Oxford Improvisers
About Babble&Squeak
Babble&Squeak
Chris Hill is co-promoting Ensemble 50:50 - London with Phil Morton who lives in Liverpool.
Here are some notes about Chris Hill's babble&Squeak series, you can also contact him about Ensemble 50:50 London activities.
Babble&Squeak is an irregular performance forum for the performance of free improvisation and experimental music.
Babble&Squeak celebrates the joyousness and insights free improvisation elicits and the musical challenges of spontaneous composition.
If you interested in taking part in a Babble&Squeak event please contact me, Chris Hill, at chimpee333@hotmail.com for future dates.
Sign up
Suggested script:
- In the field - name of the event of project - please insert Ensemble 50:500 London.
- In the field, location, please insert London
About the venue
Hundred Years Gallery
13 Pearson Street
London E2 8JD
Tel: +44 (0)20 3602 7973
Buses : 67, 149, 242, 243, 394
Train : Hoxton Overground
Hundred Years Gallery is a dynamic art space situated in Hoxton, East London supporting experimental and innovative art. The Gallery`s exhibition programme is aimed at presenting a wide spectrum of contemporary art production with an emphasis on providing a platform for radical ideas and young or unrepresented artists. The space also provides opportunities for those in the arts to become part of its exhibition programme through its annual open calls short residencies, internships and art projects.
Hundred Years Arts is a not for profit Community Interest Company (Registered company number 9059577)
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