2009
for improvised string bass, max/msp, and sampled audio
Descarga audio only:
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This piece uses rhythms adapted from traditional sacred and dance music found in Afro-Caribbean and Brazilian music to build a rhythmic narrative, determined by the computer, that accompanies improvised pizzicato bass. In Spanish descarga literally means “discharge,” but in Latin music the word describes any jam using set rhythms. This jam is inspired by the sacred batá drumming found in the Regla de Ocha religion, where set cycles of rhythms evoke powerful deities. The combination of computer ‘decision-making’ and improvisation produces unique combinations of rhythm with every performance and raises interesting questions. Who is the ‘leader’ here? Can the computer’s random choices evoke otherwise inaccessible musical and spiritual space?
The improvisation is informed by traditional practices of bass playing and interaction in afro-cuban and brazilian music. Many of the patterns used by bassists in these styles are based on low drum patterns (such as the tumbao and sourdu). The re-contextualization of ancient drum patterns into ensembles using western instruments is an intriguing process. Descarga seeks to expand this process into the world of interactive computer music.
