The Blank Canvas Octet is a project exploring free ensemble improvisation in music in a large ensemble context. It uses the ‘system 50:50` - where chess clocks are used to bring cohesion to the sound field which can often become cluttered. The result is a dynamic and shifting canvas of sound that allows small discreet sounds to be heard and deeper layers to be felt and expressed. An exciting project to participate in, to witness and to hear.

Charlie Collins, improviser, Sheffield wrote 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.” -

Another point of listening comes from Simon Ross, Macclesfield. `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 and more cooperative. Ends well.`

The Blank Canvas Octet during this month in 2023 will feature the following, more or less:

CLAYTON JACKSON, electronics and objects, Silverdale
GARFIELD SOUTHALL, guitar, Chester
GEOFF BRIGHT, reeds, Sheffield
GILL WHITELEY, strings, Sheffield : website
GUILLERMO TORRES, sound, Spain.
LYN HODNETT, voice, Wales & other
MARTIN HACKETT, Korg Ms, Oxford
PHIL MORTON, accidents and treatments, Liverpool
PAUL MEDLEY. clarinet, Oxford
CHRIS PARFITT, misc, Bridgend, Wales
IRENE IZQUIERDO, voice, Berlin
ROBIN HARTWELL, liverpool.

lapsed members; DAN GOREN, trumpet, Chipping Norton, Nick Branton, reeds, Liverpool. SABINE KUSMAUL, guitar, Macclesfield

Currently this is a closed project. meaning closed to new members.

Object: Eventbrite page, target London