Introduction
If this ensemble and its creative content is new to you, you can register your interest via the tab marked registration.
venue: The venue is yet to be confirmed
date: To be confirmed (TBC)
Doors open: (TBC)
Start time: (TBC)
All out: on or before (TBC)
Door tax: No decisions has been made about allowing an audience or its size.
Subs paid by participants: £3.00, note this is a monthly rate, not an event rate.
Currently, attendance is limit to 10 or by invite only. Read further for details
About The Sextet
Musical style or genre
The Blank Canvas Sextet - will play "free improvised music" using the music system, "System 50:50"
For more information "System 50:50" click here
There is no short term aim to explore contemporary compositional methods, e.g. Conduction, Cobra, graphic scores.
Frequency of the sessions
The aim is to deliver monthly sessions under the title of The Blank Canvas Sextet, within a weekly schedule of events that feature free improvisation under the banner of `Merseyside Improvisers`
Names of Participants
Here is a list of musicians who may currently appear in and with the Blank Canvas Sextet, .
- IAN SIMPSON, guitar
- PAUL PIGNON [ Stockholm! ]
- PHIL HARGREAVES [Liverpool]
- ROBIN HARTWELL
- MARTIN HACKETT [ Oxford improvisers ]
- PHIL MORTON, accidents and treatments
- CLAYTON JACKSON, (Lancaster) electronics
- PETER JONES, guitar
- TIM WISE, reeds, Salford.
- SIMON ROSS, Turntables, Macclesfield.
- ALEX SCOTT, trombone,
- SABINE KAUSMALL, guitar
Lapsed or floating members of the Sextet: Julia Cadman, John Pearson, Adam Roberts, Yashashwi Sharma, Kristina Warren ( returned to the USA), PHIL LUCKING, trumpets, RICHARD HARDING, guitar, DAVID CANTER, bass clarinet, ROB THORPE, guitar (Manchester), ANDREW LESLIE HOOKER, no input mixer (Pandy Tudor)
Feedback from musicians about System 50;50
Some feedback on `System 50:50` from a participant
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
and
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 Sextet - Liverpool
and
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 over both when and what they decide to play. Dan Goren (Oxford Improvisers)
The ensemble name
NOTE - This ensemble was previously called `The Blank Canvas Octet` but during the pandemic the ensemble met `online` on zoom. The membership of the group changed. The ensemble now has a different identity to this proposed Liverpool based ensemble. Phil Morton decided to change the name of the Liverpool based ensemble to `sextet`.
To express an interest on joining the ensemble
To request more information, to communicate, please go to the tab above called registration and complete the form therein.
There is no formal audition. All new members are required to attend one performance as a member of the audience, then we have a discussion.
about Merseyside Improvisers
Aim:
to promote and establish free ensemble improvisation in music in the region of Merseyside
Objectives:
- Where possible Merseyside Improvisers` will organise weekly music sessions within one hours travel of a center of Liverpool to create opportunities for individuals to regularly play and listen to ‘free improvised music’
- Merseyside Improvisers` will create a ‘house band’. Concerts will feature the house band and another act.
- Merseyside Improvisers` will support/organise a concert series either directly or indirectly by developing relationships with other organisations in Merseyside to create a cohesive schedule of events
- Merseyside Improvisers` will maintain an online webpage. This will include; event information, listings, web links to organisations, social media feeds, etc.
- Merseyside Improvisers` will recognise and use digital networks for communication and marketing.
- To constitute a structure/network called, Merseyside Improvisers`, with an agreed strategic plan and formal steering group. The sole function of the group will be to promote ‘free ensemble improvisation’ and to deliver content within the region of Merseyside. The group will meet regularly to review events and plan in line with its agreed constitution.
- Looking further ahead, the group will create a framework for research and development.
Read More: Here
about the venue
The Ship & Mitre, Dale Street Liverpool.
covid policy
Phil Morton does not know what to write here.
Hopefully he will in five days time
Registration Form
To express an interest, to request more information, to communicate, please complete the form below