Bowed Radio

#064 - Kate Russo, Stefano Pastor, Jaime Basulto, The Fiddler Crab Band

Mon, 012 May 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Jaime Basulto - "Miel de caña"
The Fiddler Crab Band - "Reel Rag Time"
Stefano Pastor - Abingdon
Kate Russo - "All the Same"

Hello everyone,

Jaime Basulto is a composer and guitarist from Barcelona. His music blends traditional flamenco stylings with an inellignt avant garde sensibility - taking the music to fascinating places. This piece is performed by his own ensemble El Paño Moruno and is from his most recent recording entitlted Garam Masala.

The Fiddler Crab Band is a southern rock outfit based out of Roanoke, Virginia led by fiddler Boyd Clement. These guys have a show-topping stage presence and boilier full of energy. Get up and dance!

Stefano Pastor is a composer and violinist from Genoa, Italy and was featured on Episode 033 of this program with one of his contemporary classical compositions. He is featured here with one of his jazz compositions. Incredible work here.

Closing out the show is Kate Russo, an electric rock violinist from Nashville, Tennessee. With a voice like Joan Jett and a violin like Eddie Van Halen's guitar, she can really wail.

Thanks everyone! You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

#063 - Mark Bergman, Coda, Springcreek Bluegrass Band, Sansyou

Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Coda - "Winter Love"
Sansyou - "The Demon Is"
Mark Bergman - The Golem and the Maharal
Springcreek Bluegrass Band - "Done This To Yourself"

Hello everyone,

Notes coming shortly

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

#062 - Vanessa Rossetto, skyhook, Euterpe Archipelago, Sam Phillips

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0500

skyhook - "Wedding at the Mill/The Trippers"
Euterpe Archipelago - "Honte"
Sam Phillips - "Wasting My Time"
Vanessa Rossetto - "Snow Snow Snow Smothering the Mountain"

Hello everyone,

skyhook is a collaboration of two fiddlers and a guitarist from Sheffield, England. They play traditional tunes and songs from Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton Island, plus some original tunes as well. The piece included here features fiddler Cath James' original piece "Wddding At the Mill."

Euterpe Archiplago is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Clay Corrello - a sound artist out of Muskegon, Michigan. This project fuses electronica with the warmth of acoustic instruments and the recitation of classics of world literature. Modern, highbrow, vaguely Bohemian. A very interesting mix to say the least!

Sam Phillips is a popular singer/songwriter - perhaps known most for the songs she has contributed to the WB Network sitcom Gilbmore Girls . In my opinion, she should be equally as well-known for her recurring use of strings in her popular work (her album Cruel Inventions features a string quartet on nearly every track). Her new album Don't Do Anything will be coming out in June featuring Eric Gorfain of The Section Quartet. This is from her 2000 disc, Fan Dance.

Closing things out is experimental violinist Vanessa Rossetto from Austin, Texas. A prolific artist, she has already released three recordings since the start of 2008. With styles that range from free-improv to multi-layered sound sculpture, she will be someone to watch in coming years. This piece is from her 2008 disc Whoreson in the Wilderness.

Your experience of Bowed Radio is made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, featuring the works of Dwight Ashley, Tim Story, and Hans Joachim Roedelius online at www.nepenthemusic.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

#061 - Soweto String Quartet, Jean-Phillipe Feiss, Nicka, Craig Halliday

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Nicka - "The Fall of Greygorn"
Jean-Phillipe Feiss - "Berceuse pour Valentin"
Soweto String Quartet - "Vyfster"
Craig Halliday - "String Fever"

Hello everyone,

Nicka is a French Canadaian electric violinist from Montreal. Her sound is bold and aggressive, utilizing 19th-century idioms in a comtemporary rock format. Her violin was crafted by her musical co-conspiritor, Montreal-based musician and instrument-maker Chris Cuber. Check out the pictures!

Cellist Jean-Phillipe Feiss appeared earlier on this program as a member of the Parisian string ensemble Sibiel (Episode 041). He returns here as a solo artist with a track from his forthcoming CD. His work tends to the avant garde, incorporating extended playing techniques as part of his total sound.

The Soweto String Quartet, as you might expect, is a string quartet from South Africa's well-known Soweto township. Their latest outing is quite an iconoclastic collection - entitled Soweto String Quartet Speel Afrikaanse Treffels - translated as "The SSQ Plays Afrikaans Music" (The Afrikaans being of course the ethnic Dutch of South Africa). Most interesting to me was that one of the ways the SSQ chose to celebrate Afrikaans culture was with a string quartet cover of a popular TV show theme song from the 1980's. A quick Google search of Vyfster brings hit after hit of people nostalgic for when that show was on TV -- and how hearing the theme song brings it all back. Here's a YouTube clip.

... and closing things off is violinist Craig Halliday. A veteran of Riverdance and Andrew Lloyd Weber's orchestra, Halliday puts on a flamboyant show on his Swarovski-crystal violin.

Bowed Radio is made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, presenting the archival CD Human Being Live at the Zodiac 1968. Information available at www.nepenthemusic.com. .

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

#060 - Twisted Ph8, Edgar Gabriel's String Fusion, Willard Morris, and Mark Allender

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Edgar Gabriel's String Fusion - "Blue 7"
Willard Morris - "Teen Town"
Twisted Ph8 - "Theft at Whitley Bay"
Mark Allender - "The Last Supper"

Hello everyone,

This show comes to you during the not-so-well reported-in-the-national-press Ohio Blizzard of March 2008. Thank god for the internet's all's I gots to say - else I'd be bored outta my mind!

I am also pleased to report that the show makes an appearance in the Spring 2008 issue of Fiddler Magazine - on newsstands now!

Leading the charge this time thru is jazz violinist Edgar Gabriel and his group String Fusion. This seven-piece group has a clear, clean sound that dips into different styles at every turn. They are currently supporting their cleverly-titled disc Not Radio Material from which this cut is taken.

Willard Morris returns to the show with a Bowed Radio exlclusive: a viola-and-bass arrangement of the Jaco Pastorius "Teen Town." His arrangement pretty well speaks for itself. Incredible.

Twisted Ph8 is the husband and wife team of Jason and Christine Labore, with Jason on a six-string Viper violin and Christine on vocals. Jason is also a touring member of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and is a prolific performer and teacher in northern New Hampshire.

Closing out the show is a track from my own solo recording Battery - a cover of Larry Norman's "The Last Supper." Back in about 1996, I was asked to contribute a piece for a Larry Norman tribute album that never materialized. It is presented here as a memoriam; Larry Norman passed away on February 24, 2008.

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#059 (updated) - The Charlie Daniels Band, String Planet, Cantes do Meu Cante, and Bowfire

Mon, 3 Mar 2008 00:00:01 -0500

String Planet - "Love for Three Oranges"
Bowfire - "Fiddler in the Hood"
Cantes do Meu Cante - "Meus Senhores"
Charlie Daniels & Dolly Parton - "Daddy's Old Fiddle"

Hello everyone,

Starting off this show is the quirky viola and Chapman stick duo String Planet. This is what happens when two oft-neglected instruments get to take the lead. Self-described as Bela Fleck meets Prokofiev meets Esquivel (an apt description), these guys are a lot of fun.

Bowfire is a Canadian performing group featuring the work of roughly a dozen string artists of multiple genres playing together for a show that incorporates dance, theater, and performance art. They take their show on a tour of North America starting this April - check their website for local theater locations.

Cantes do Meu Cante is a Portugese group featuring the cello of Susana Santos (also a member of Archybak who was featured earlier on this program). This group is a mix of traditional and classical musicians playing together for an eclectic mix of Portugese music. Gorgeous vocal harmonies, multi-layered guitars, and a warm cello that just sings.

Closing out the show is probably the most famous country western fiddler alive today: Charlie Daniels. This cut is from his new disc entitled Deuces and features Dolly Parton on vocals (who also wrote the song).

Support for this episode of Bowed Radio is provided by The Creative Strings Workshop, an intense educational experience for string players. The 2008 Workshop is happening June 30th thru July 6th. Learn more and register at www.christianhowes.com.

Bowed Radio is also made possible in part by Nepenthe Music and Publishing, neo-expressionism for the 21st century, presenting the archival CD Human Being Live at the Zodiac 1968. Information available at www.nepenthemusic.com.

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#058 - The Yeah Yeah Yemen, George Sarah, Ben Mason, and Merietta Oviatt

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Merietta Oviatt - "His Eye is on the Sparrow"
The Yeah Yeah Yemen - "Al Musafrin"
Ben Mason - "Lemming Song Black"
George Sarah - "Afterglow"

Merietta Oviatt is a violist based in Las Vegas, who brings her unique string arrangements of old-time gospel tunes. These arrangements are for multi-tracked viola - a boon or all you violists who are feeling underrepresented on this show!

The Yeah Yeah Yemen are a group based in London comprised of Yemeni and German musicians, self described as a "travelling circus," incorporating Arabic and European sounds into a musical creole of sorts. In late 2007, the group was playing in areas all across Yemen, collaborating with local high-profile musicians and composing one song for each area they visited. This piece is taken from a live on-air performance on Yemeni radio.

Ben Mason is a violinist and digital artist from North Carolina whose recordings are improvised live with electric violin and computer. His work is programmatic like many film soundtracks, though more engaged. Several of his works are available for free download from his website.

And finally, George Sarah is an electronic artist who performs his work on synthesizers and drum machies accompanied by live strings. His work has been featured on numerous television shows and films.

So long kids!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#057 - Emily Price, The Upton Trio, Chapa, and Anna Stafford. Hosted from the Cuyahoga Falls Panera Bread

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Anna Stafford - "Many Thoughts"
Emily Price - "Supper Time"
The Upton Trio - Eicha
Chapa - "A Look to the West"

Hello everyone,

A quick note: I still have not been able to generate sufficient financial support for the program to keep it going. If you enjoy the format of the show as it currently is, please consider offering your financial support.

Starting things off is violinist Anna Stafford, a rock violinist from southern California. She has the unique ability to create an aggressive rock sound using only strings. Those who have been catching the String Quartet Tribute series on Vitamin Records may also recognize her name - she spearheaded the String Quartet Tribute To INXS among many others.

Emily Price is an cellist out of New York who builds her sound with mutli-tracking and looping while experimenting with timbre and tone color to create something new and off-beat. A lot of fun. And you gotta love that scratchy old turntable sound!

The Upton Trio is a modern classical chamber ensemble based out South Carolina featuring Mary Lee Taylor on violin and Billy Shepherd on piano. The Uptons have a new cellist named Dusan Vukajlovic, but this piece, from a performance in 2000, features cellist Jacqueline Taylor. This piece was composed by Miera Warshauer.

Chapa is a group led by guitarist Russ Chapa and drummer Deacon who create a rich stew of music incorporating traditions from around the world and a dense mixture of melodies. Dizzying in its arrangement yet majestic in its groove - these guys are unlike anyone you've heard before.

This show comes to you from the local Panera Bread

So long kids!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#056 - Shauna Burns, Ethel, Bella Rumore, and Unwoman. Hosted over a warm bowl of gumbo

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Unwoman - "Compliance"
Bella Rumore - "Whiter Shade of Pale"
Ethel - "Sambula"
Shauna Burns - "Chamber"

Hello everyone,

Sorry no show last week -- I'll try and make it up to youse.

Starting things off is neo-goth cellist Unwoman with that deep rich cello tone front and center. This cut is the lead track from her brand spanking new disc Blossoms. She was featured earlier on episode 033 of this program.

Bella Rumore is another repeat guest on this show. This Las Vegas string act does hip arco covers of popular classic rock tunes. When I heard this rendition of "Whiter Shade of Pale," I was hooked.

Ethel is one of my favorite groups. A relentlessly creative quartet - unafraid to be aggressive, unafraid to experiment. This is a cut from their latest disc Light. If you have a chance, be sure to check out one of their "Truckstop" performances (see their MySpace page for details)

Closing out the show is pianst Shauna Burns. Her latest disc is a brooding piece called The Moon and the Fire Circle that features the cello of John Minor on numerous tracks. I'm sure you'll enjoy their collaboration.

I am still looking for sponsors to help support this program - if your local music school or instrument shop is interested in supporting the show, please send along a copy of the rate sheet. Support is negotiable!

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#055 - Terra Incognita, Invincible Czars, Peter Hawkes, and Lissa Schneckenburger

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Lissa Schneckenburger - "The River"
Terra Incognita - "Land of No Return"
Peter Hawkes - "Tne Moscow Gypsy"
Invincible Czars - "Trepak"

Hello everyone,

This show starts off with fiddler Lissa Schenckenburger, one of the premier up-and-coming young fiddle virtuosi on the string music scene. Taking elements of numerous folk traditions, she crafts a unique sound that shows off her individual taste and command of the instrument. This tune is from her 2005 eponymous disc. And for the record, that's LISSA, not LISA. Like "Melissa" without the "Me."

Making a triuphant return to the show is Siberian violin rock band Terra Incognita. Their aggressive , oppressive, and vaguely gothic sound - mixed with their sexy live presentation make for a exotic combination and an exciting listen. ... and their music will knock you senseless as well.

Australian Guitarist Pete Hawkes makes another appearance on this show, this time with a cut from his latest EP, Melancholy Cello. And that title goes a long way in describing the sound on this disc -- lilting, sensitive, and sad. With his arrangements, Hawkes is able to pull an emotion out of a hat and make it sing.

And running in the caboose of this program is Austin's Invincible Czars. This high energy, post punk, vaguely klezmer, vaguely ska collection of dramatic musicians performs a cache of original work, in addition to high-energy off-center versions of The Nutcracker and other works by Russian composers. This is the well-known Russian Dance from The Nutcracker.

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

Episode X

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Hello everyone,

I feel invigorated to continue with this podcast: I have a wealth of music ready to go, a lot of exciting things are happening in the world of strings. But I am struggling to keep this as a pro bono venture. I am not going to be able to continue this program in the format it currently exists in without some form of sponsorship.

In short there are five advertising "spots" on each program. I will be selling these spots starting at 20 USD each. For those interested in other options, a rate sheet is available if you are interested.

Payments will be made via PayPal to my email address: string@bowed.org . All advertisers will receive a receipt verifying payment, wording of script, and information on where their message will be nested.

Please consider supporting a podcast that supports so many string players worldwide.

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all your support.

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#054 - 2 Foot Yard, Matt Brown, Mike Hovancsek, and Alex Mitchell

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Alex Mitchell - "Living History"
2 Foot Yard - "Hold My Own"
Mike Hovancsek - "Civi Evening Twilight
Matt Brown - Grub Springs

Yo cats,

I recorded this episode while healthy, but released it electronically in the throes of some violent illness that feels a lot like strep throat. Very high fever. Nocturnal hallucinations. It was bad. Hence the delay in getting these notifications out... But I'm better now, so here's what's in the can this time around.

Alex Mitchell is a new discovery. He is among the live-loop-technique performers. The guy has a profound sense of counterpoint, which is realized at its finest moment in the work presented here. Though not a true "loop" piece, this piece does utilize a 2-second delay to an astonishing effect.

2 Foot Yard is one of my favorite performing groups ever. Towing both a sensibility akin to the late-19th century Romantics and an edgy sense of the contemporary avant garde, this group always manages to surprise and delight, all while throwing in pop hook after pop hook. And they play strings too! Features violinist Carla Kihlstedt and cellist Marika Hughes.

Mike Hovancsek is a longtime friend of mine. We played in the group Pointless Orchestra together for upward of twelve years or so. Which explains why he was one of the featured artists on Episode 1. This piece features Akron-area violinist Samuel Salsbury.

and closing off the show is Matt Brown. He is the co-owner and co-operator of 5-string Productions - a record label spotlighting a diverse roster of folk, bluegrass, and old-time fiddlers. He appears on this show with a tune of his own this time.

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#053 - Sebastien Savard, Linda Clark, Miss Von Trapp, and Mark Bergman. Hosted while watching the Iowa Caucuses

Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:00:01 -0500

Miss Von Trapp - "Of Vampire Strings"
Sebastien Savard - "Groove My Day"
Mark Bergman - "Dance of the Americas"
Linda Clark - "Tessa Jayne"

Hello everyone, I came back again...

I did all the tech work for this show while watching the Iowa Caucuses on C-SPAN - and my favorite horse came in first: Barack Obama. I hope you'll forgive me a little political glee.

Lizzie Fugeman (aka Miss Von Trapp) makes her second appearance on this program. Her sultry vampiric sound blends very well with the lush tone of a cello. This tune is from her latest collection entitled Morbid Ditties.

Sebastien Savard is a violinist with Quidam - a touring group with Cirque du Soleil. Though he is primarily a violinist, he is a multi-instrumentalist who puts together large arrangements that serve to feature the violin in a loose yet driving environment. His mission is to prove that the violin can groove. A popular YouTube video called "Violin Can Rock" showing Sebastien playing the violin behind his back.

Mark Bergman is a double bassist and composer and is a professor of music at George Mason University. This piece is one of his recent compositions - performed by the Mato Grosso Chamber Orchestra in Cuiaba, Brazil. It's a lot of fun.

Linda Clark is a violinist based in Salt Lake City - her playing was heard on Kevin Mathie's piece in Episode 047. This her own composition - named after her new granddaughter Tessa Jayne.

Thanks again everyone. You're the best!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#052 - Martha Colby, David Strother, A Fashionable Disease, and Christian Howes. Hosted from Camano Island, Washington

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Christian Howes - "Song For My Daughter"
Martha Colby - "The Christmas Song"
David Strother - "A Love Enduring"
A Fashionable Disease - "Sex With Dead Soldiers"

Hello everyone,

I am oficially open for business.

Anyone doing anything at all creatively with strings is aware of Christian Howes. His strings camp in Columbus is known the world over and is attended by many of the biggest names in string music. His latest disc Song For My Daughter is available from his website. This cut is the title track to that disc.

Martha Colby was one of the first artists on this show. She returns here with a version of "The Christmas Song" as if performed by Jimi Hendrix. On the cello.

David Strother made his first appearanace on this program on episode 20. This cut is a demo version of one of the tunes from his latest disc The Desert Is Singing.

and finishing off the show is A Fashionable Disease, featuring a violin apparition name o' Danny. Their aggressive off-center sound will rip you a proverbial new one.

This show comes to you from a cute little spot on Camano Island in Washington state called simply The Camano. If you ever make it out there, tell them Mark from Bowed Radio says hello.

Thanks for listening everyone -- it's great to be back!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#051 - Catherine Lawson, Brian Theriault, Rafe Stefanini, and Joel Gamble. Hosted from Wayland, Iowa

Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Brian Theriault - "DD"
James Kennedy (feat. Catherine Lawson) - "Eye of the Needle"
Joel Gamble - "Karshlema"
Rafe Stefanini - "Bluegrass Meadows"

Hello everyone,

So long!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#050 - Cellorhythmics, Douglas Johnson, Kong Sauce, and Rosie Westbrook

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Rosie Westbrook - "Amoeba"
Kong Sauce - "Through the Mountain"
Cellorhythmics - "Clocktower"
Douglas Johnson - "Into the Agape"

Hello everyone,

This week finds me a little under the weather. Do not (as they say) adjust your set.

Rosie Westbrook is a bassist and composer from Melbourne, Australia. Her pieces are rich, warm, brooding, and evocative. Wonderful sounds from my favorite instrument! This piece is a new and unreleased composition.

Batting second on this program is Kong Sauce, a group from my veritable backyard in Cleveland, Ohio. Aggressive and melodic - my first though when I heard them was that they sounded like later Pixies albums like Bossonova. A fun and creative group I know you wil enjoy - features the violist Krissy Brannan.

Cellorhythmics is a group from the UK featuring cellists James Hesford and Alfia Nakipebekova. Their current project is The Cellorhythmics Acoustic Project, wherein Hesford has written a new composition based on found objects for each new monthly gig - adding a new musician to the original quartet for each subsequent gig in the twelve-part series. They appeared earlier on this program in Episode 012.

Closing off the show is yet another bassist, Mr. Douglas Johnson (two basses in one show!). For this piece he has layered 16 bass tracks - performed on both a 5-string Louis Lowendall double bass and a 6-string Clevinger electric upright. Wonderful stuff.

Take care everyone -- thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#049 - Riad Abdel-Gawad, Judgement Day, Boldwood, and John Ettinger

Mon, 12 Nov 2007 00:00:01 -0500

John Ettinger - "Dual Diagnosis"
Judgement Day - "Out of the Abyss"
Riad Abdel-Gawad - "Sama'i Sultanah Yakah"
Boldwood - "Hundson House"

Hey kiddos,

One more note on the email front, I have actually switched email providers, so I can guarantee you that "inbox full" messages will not be plaguing you anymore. So that said, here's the goods on the show.

John Ettinger starts off the show with his free-jazz exploration "Dual Diagnosis" from his latest disc Kissinger In Space. In all honesty, I don;t believe I've heard anyone play the violin like John does here -- his playing is raw and wild, totally abandoning the "sweetness" of tone that marks Stephane Grappelli's playing for example. On this tune (and on others on the disc) he phrases in and out with tenor saxophonist Tony Malaby -- and often it is difficult to tell them apart. He truly takes the conventions of the violin to a new level - and frankly I hope it catches on.

Bay-area heavy metal group Judgement Day makes a return to this show after their first appearance on Episode 013 (the infamous "Dawn and Drew" episode). This tune is their new single and is available for free download from their MySpace site. Bear in mind while you listen that no guitars are used onthis recording; all that sound is made using violin, cello, and drums.

Riad Abdel-Gawad is a violin virtuoso based in southern California. He is well versed in western classical music, the 20th century avantgarde, and traditional Arabic music - particularly the current folk music scene in Egypt. This is a tune in the Arabic tradition from his most recent disc entitled Autochthonic Enchantment.

Closing off the show is Britain's Boldwood. These guys perform nearly-forgotten dance music of the 18th century, breathing new life into these old folksy tunes. Their latest disc, entitled Feet Don't Fail Me Now is available online from their website thru Hobgoblin Records.

In another note, I am interested in trying to get some local press for the show. Is there a local music magazine in your area? Pass along some news about the show to their "story ideas" link!

Take care everyone -- thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#048 - Caroline Stinson, Mark Simos and Friends, William Susman, and Patrick Grant (featuring The Young Eight)

Mon, 5 Nov 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Patrick Grant (feat. The Young Eight) - "Hip Hop Experience - Part 1"
William Susman (feat. Joan Jeanrenaud) - "The Work - Children - Alter"
Mark Simos and Friends - "John Bloom"
Caroline Stinson - Figment

Yo cats - here's what's up for this week.

Patrick Grant starts off this episode with a recording of the debut of his piece "Hip Hop EXperience" live from "Chamber Music at the Barn" in Wichita, Kansas - July 19, 2007. The performers on this piece are from an African-AMerican string octet called The Young Eight. The recording quality here is a bit shoddy, but the energy of the performance is undeniable -- and if you know me at all, you know that I love this kind of "bootleg" recording of a hot performance.

William Susman is a film composer with a number of indie soundtracks under his belt including Oil on Ice, Native New Yorker, and Global Procession. This piece comes from his most recent soundtrack for Sarah C. Sifers' film Fate of the Lhapa. The cellist in this soundtrack is Joan Jeanrenaud - formerly of the Kronos Quartet.

Mark Simos is a fiddler of the bluegrass and old-time tradition and a member of such groups as UnBeaten Path, Fair Play, and the Cliffhangers. This tune is a cut from his 2006 disc called Clifftop Notes Vol 1.

Cellist Caroline Stinson is a repeat offender on this program, having appeared as a member of the group Cello - featured on episode 011. She is one of the biggest names in the performance of new music.

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#047 - Kevin Mathie, Geert de Belder, Murray Gay, and the Dana Leong Quintet (featuring Baba Israel). Hosted at the Ohio Quarter Horse Congress.

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Dana Leong Quintet (featuring Baba Israel) - "Beer Goggles"
Geert de Belder - "Mein Kaempfert"
Kevin Mathie - "The Long Goodbye"
Murray Gay - "Cruel Freedom (part one)"

Had a busy weekend... a little late getting the whole baby out, but hey... it's a good show, it was worth the wait.

I have been trying to get Dana Leong on the show for some time now. His group is totally unique -- nobody else sounds like this. I LOVE it when a cello (or other string instrument" takes on this kind of shuffle rhythm feel -- can't get enough of it. Hip, cool, fun. You'll love it. Oh - and by the way, the guy plays trombone too.

I confess I don't know much about the next artist Geert de Belder beyond that he is based in Antwerp and is for the most part a one-man-band. His MySpace page bills him as "Stillerman" -- but it's a great tune - a re-working from a famous composer from earlier in the 20th century. Hopes you likes!

Kevin Mathie is a pianist and composer out of Salt Lake City - and his piece features the playing of violinist Linda Clark (who will be featured in an upcoping episode withone of her own compositions here in the coming weeks). His work is emotional and evocative.

... and closing up the shopw is a tune by Australian double bassist Murray Gay. Speaking here as an arco bassist myself, I really appreciate what the man is doing here. Highly textural, well-layerd and... to top it all, this is a live improvisation. Most cool.

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#046 - Enter the Haggis, Sirous Malek, and Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Jamie Laval and Ashley Broder - "Leventine's 'Spinning' Wheel"
Enter the Haggis - "Congress"
Sirous Malek - "Esfehan 100"
The Beatles - "Eleanor Rigby"

Here's who's on tap this week.

Violinist Jamie Laval and multi-instrumentalist Ashley Broder have put together a fun collction of duets called Zephyr at the Confetti Factory. Quirky and off-center with hints of old-time and bluegrass, these guys are like trippimg thru a slightly demented nursery rhyme.

Enter the Haggis is a Scottish themed band from Toronto - in the States, you may have seen their hour-long PBS special. With fiddle and bagpipes and a full rhythm section, they incorporate Scottish idioms into a contemporary rock sound. This is a contemorary take on the classic Congress Reel.

Sirous Malek is a self-taught violinist out of the Persian tradition, though violin is very much his side project. He is a visual artist working in acrylic and pastels - many of his works are available for sale online.

And finally, a version of the Beatles' Eleanor Rigby. You ever actually listen to the strings on this one?

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#045 - Sophie Serafino, Jeff Shippy and Matt Gray, Ben Heaney, and Zach Brock. Hosted from the New Madrid Bend

Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Zach Brock and the Coffee Achievers - "Now I Know"
Sophie Serafino - "Summertime"
Jeff Shippy and Matt Gray - "Old Joe Clark"
Ben Heaney - excerpt from "Dust Blower"

Hello kids,

This week finds me in the New Madrid Bend. I found myself with an open weekend - and I have wanted to see this place for some time. So I went out there to shoot some pictures, record the show, and see what exactly goes on there. For the uninitiated, the New Madrid Bend is a small hunk of land at the western end of Kentucky - physically separated from the rest of the state by the Mississippi River and a small finger of Missouri. A very peaceful place.

Zach Brock is a jazz violinist from New York City. He has released a new disc entitled Live At the Jazz Factory with his band The Coffee Achievers - and I have to say I haven't been able to stop playing the thing. This is the opening track from that disc.

Australian violinist Sofie Serafino appeared earlier on Episode 012 of this program. She dips her toes into many different styles including electronica and jazz. She appears on this show with a recording of Gershwin's "Summertime."

Jeff Shippy and Matt Gray are a pair of musicians from Portland Oregon. They have played together in several bands - notably one called Mollybloom. Jeff is the current reigning Oregon state fiddle champion and Matt is the reigning Oregon state banjo champion.

Closing up the show is another repeat guest, Ben Heaney - an experimental violinist from the UK and the first electric violinist in the UK to be invited to advertise in the British and International Music Year Book and in Classical Music Magazine. His work plays predominantly with tone and texture over melody. Challenging and breathtaking.

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#044 - Jesus Florido, David Wilson, Cellolitis, and Peter Hawkes

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Cellolitis - "Horrorfrieden"
Jesus Florido - "Con Todo"
David Wilson - "Night Watch"
Peter Hawkes - "The Warlock's Dream"

Greetings!

Sort of a Halloween theme this time around - starting with "Horrorfrieden" (literally "horror-peace") and finishing up with "The Warlock's Dream." I swear this was unintentional! The tunes just fell into my lap.

Cellolitis is the stage name for Nikolaus Herdieckerhoff, a cellist and performance artist living in Berlin. His latest disc Himmelblau ("Blue Sky") is akin to his performance act - dramatic, comic, quirky, and diverse. As a street performer, he utilizes a looping sampler to build a bed of sound over which he plays, sings, and otherwise waxes dramatic. Each tune on his disc is wildly different from one another - quite a trip!

Jesus Florido is Venezuelan by birth, currently lives in Los Angeles. His broad mix of styles include Techno, World, Trance, Salsa, Rock, Funk - along with generous nods to his own classical traning. His most recent disc Heading North spans from gentle latino-jazz arrangements to killer kick out the funk jams. This track is from the latter category. Hopes you likes!

David Wilson is another repeat guest on the show -- his last apperanace was on epiosde 021 with a tune from his disc Elegencia. This time thru, he features a track from his forthcoming disc Consordino - rich with flamenco and other Spanish music stylings.

Finishing off the show is Australian guitarist Pete Hawkes. For his 2006 disc Witchcraft, he utilized a string trio that pretty much dominates the sound. Gentle, yet ominous -- for fans of strings, this disc is a real treasure.

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#043 - Copal, Ashia, Local Lingo, and Matt Coffman and Mark Allender. Hosted from work

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Mark Allender and Matt Coffman - "Jack Szechuan"
Copal - "Ice Crystal"
Ashia - "Fossil"
Local Lingo - "Third Sight"

Hi everybody! This comes to you from my new place of employment - Mars horsecare us, inc. I am outside of the main plant as I recorded this - fighting the wind - so please don't mind the odd gusts that blow into my microphone! It adds character, right?

First up on the show is a collaboration between me and my longtime friend Matt Coffman. He and I have been friends since high school. In the wake of the events of the past year, I have asked a lot of my friends to contribute artwork as I rebuild my new life (an incredibly healing thing to do by the way if you find yourself in a similar situation and have a lot of creative friends). So in the spirit of this, I asked Matt if he would help me put together a recording of one of the old tunes we used to do in a we were in together called North River Company. So over the past couple weeks we got together and laid down some tracks -- with me on violin. I'm far from being a competant violinist, but I can put out a fire with it ... so I hope you enjoy it!

Copal is a group out of Boston featuring violinist Hannah Thiem and cellist Joe Ball. Together with electronica artist Ammon Ep, they create a wonderful mix electronica and Arabic idioms. Fascinating work. This group has recently released a full-length disc entitled eso-terra.

Ashia - a cellist with Cirque de Soleil in Las Vegas, makes her second appearance on this show. Her passionate, vaguely sinister delivery brings a unique quality to what she calls her "songs about nostalgia, desire, transcendence, and love ." Wild, seductive, yet understated.

Local Lingo is the collaboration of violinist Jason Kao-Hwang and Sang Won Park, who plays traditional Korean instruments such as kayagum and ajaeng. Both are veterans of the celebrated Far East Side Band, but in this incarnation, they bring an intimacy to their intercultural improvisations.

Thanks everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#042 - Kerstern Stevens, EntropiK, Neo Collage, and Fran Kent

Mon, 24 Sep 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Kersten Stevens - "Walk With Me Lord"
Fran Kent - "Wallace"
NeoCollage - "Broke"
EntropiK - "Rhythm"

###

Hey everybody -- sorry about the late start on this... had some bugs in the XML feed that were giving me issues -- plus I just started a brand new job. Very difficult to find extra time this week to tweeze up these code issues...

But that said...

Starting off the show is gospel violinist Kersten Stevens. A recent graduate of Yale, Kersten has already built quite a resume with some of the hottest acts in the R&B and gospel world. She has a sound that reminds me very much of Regina Carter - a little less dangerous and a little more sass. This is a cut from her most recent disc Walks Of Faith - a collection of gospel standards featuring Kersten's violin front and center - a remarkable innovation of the classic gospel convention. Fun. Lively. Spirited. Incredible.

Fran Kent is a bluegrass artist from Portland Oregon. This track features the fine fiddle of Skip Parente. Every member of this group has a very well-rounded experience in many different traditions. A lot of fun.

NeoCollage is a group of students from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Intelligent pop hooks mixed with a touch of hiphop swagger, these guys create an impressive, finely crafted sound. Their new disc City Nights was just released on 22 Sept.

And finally, we hear from another repeat offender, EntropiK. These guys were featured on Episode 013 under just their own names, Daryn Yuill and Dan Cullen. Newly rechristened and refocused, they have just released a new batch of songs -- as tense, as brooding, and as ominous as ever.

The background music in the breaks on this episode is a tune called "Yugen" by my old group Pointless Orchestra. Our entire catalog is about to be released for free download.

Thanks for listening everybody! Take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#041 - Colin Greenlaw, Parham Nassehpoor, Anna Stafford, and Sibiel

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Sibiel - "Cirque Sibiel"
Anna Stafford - "Today's Saturday"
Colin Greenlaw - "Pistachio Ranger"
Parham Nassehpoor - improvisation in Dastgah Bayat Esfahan

###

Hello everyone,

Sibiel is a Paris-based trio featuring the cello of Jean-Philippe Feiss. They are a wonderful mixture of early jazz ala Django Reinhardt and Eastern European gypsy music. The group takes its name from a Romnanian town where they claim "the adventure began." These guys are wonderful.

Anna Stafford is a violinist out of Pasadena. Unlike many rock violinists, she does not simply solo over a bass-and-drums rhythm section - these rhythm duties are handled by cellist John Krovoza. Aggressive, melodic, and full of that arco scratch I love so well. We'll be hearing much more from her in the future, I'm certain.

Colin Greenlaw is a jazz violinist currently based in Boston. I had a difficult time picking which tune of his to use - his stylings are so disparate, it's harder with him than most to capture "what he does" in just one tune. This piece "Pistachio Ranger" has an exotic feel that I enjoy very much, though other tunes incorporate distortion and electronica. A demo of his work will be made available very soon.

And finishing off the show is Parham Nassehpoor, an Iranian national currently living in Germany. Parham is a performer on the Kamanche, a traditional fiddle out of the Persian tradition. I actually ran across Parham in the Yahoo Fiddle-Crazy forum. YOu can read about this instrument and see videos from some of the Kamanche masters of the early 20th century at this URL: www.parhamnassehpoor.com/html/kamanche.html. A fascinating tradition.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#040 - Archybak, Zikrayat, Jayu, and This Is Where The Fish Lives. Hosted from the Center Of The World

Mon, 10 Sep 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Zikrayat - "Rasqat Karkaday"
Archybak - "Danca de Cordas"
This Is Where the Fish Lives - "The American Cousin"
Jayu - "Joy Everlasting"

###

Hello everyone,

This episode comes to you from the Lucky Inn, a fried chicken and spirits establishment on the eastern end of Center Of The World, Ohio, located just five miles east of Warren. Stop by my photo gallery Pictures From the Center Of The World.

The show starts off with an energetic performance by the Arabic music and dance ensemble Zikrayat, led by violinist Sami Abu Shumays. This NYC-based group creates elaborate performances with pieces based on traditional Egyptian forms. Exhilrating and thrilling. This piece is an homage to the Egyptian film music tradition of the 1950s.

Archybak is a strings and percussion trio based out of Portugal. Using violin, cello, percussion, and foot-controlled digital samples, this group creates a unique kind of "acoustic house music." This group appeared under in a more traditional incarnation on episode 017 of this program under the name Almaplana

This Is Where the Fish Lives is Ruadhan J McElroy (aka Rowan Alpha Zeta)'s experimental music project based on collaborations with and ideas from friends. "The Amerikan Cousin" was originally a track by the avant-garde punk music project known as Lemon Kittens, which he recorded with flautist X for Lemon Kittens co-founder Karl Blake's 50th birthday in November of 2006. The original version was for piano and alto sax and this cover was learned by ear and recorded in a single take into a single microphone over the course of just under ten minutes.

...and closing up the show is the strings-and-piano jazz trio Jayu. Led by cellist Choi Fairbanks, this group creates a broad jazz texture while dipping their toes into various forms over the course of their compositions - from swing to bebop to even gospel.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#039 - Maxi Geil! and Playcolt, Paul Mercer, Maya Beiser, and Bellevue Rendezvous

Mon, 3 Sep 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Maya Beiser - Far Off Country, (Ten)
Bellevue Rendezvous - "Tolka Polka set"
Paul Mercer - "Trains"
Maxi Geil! & Playcolt - "Cold Genius"

###

Hello everyone,

Maya Beiser is one of the premiere American cellists, frequently performing the works of today's contemporary composers. I first heard Maya on her 2000 disc Kinship - a collaboration with various Arab and Indian composers. She recently was the featured performer in Steve Reich's Cello Conterpoint - the latest in his ongoing "Counterpoint" series. Her latest disc Almost Human features the sprawling Eve Beglarian piece Far Off Country. Her piece starts the episode without introduction.

Scottish group Bellevue Rendezvous is a world fusion group of sorts, with influences that spread well into northern and eastern Europe. Music is performed on the violin, the bazouki, and the nyckelharpa -- a traditional fiddle of Swedish origin that stops the strngs with keys (much like a hurdy gurdy). This selection, called simply "Tolka Polka Set" is a medley of tunes: Donal Lunny's "Tolka Polka," "Breton Hanter An Dro," "Welsh Fairy Dance," and "French Mediaeval Tune."

Paul Mercer's recent Ghosts project features works composed or improvised based on the unique acoustic and physical qualities of the various instruments. The featured track on this program was performed on an 1820 Hungarian viola made of Carpathian spruce - an instrument that Paul describes has having a "special affinity with rain" and incredible pizzicato tones. This piece emerged spontaneously in the studio after seeing a light reflected in the studio glass that resembled a distant train lamp.

Maxi Geil! and Playcolt is a Brooklyn-based rock band whose latest disc Strange Sensation features a cello-and-voice interpretation of the "Cold Genius Rises" passage of Henry Purcell's opera King Arthur. Their perforance is faithful to the original score.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#038 - Paul Giger and Marie-Louise Daehler, The Section Quartet, Spring Creek Bluegrass Band, and Elucian

Mon, 27 Aug 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Paul Giger & Marie-Louise Daehler - "From Silence to Silence"
The Section Quartet - "Juicebox"
Spring Creek Bluegrass Band - "Bowling Green"
Elucian - "Hidden Place"

###

Hello everyone,

Hot show this week!

I have been a fan of Paul Giger's work for many years and consider him one of the finest players alive today. His latest project is a collborative piece with harpsochorist Marie-Louise Daehler. This recording is not yet available in North America . The guy's amazing! Those unfamiliar with Giger's work can check out his write-up in the All Music Guide - I have a lot of respect for this particular critic.

The Section Quartet, self-billed as the world's loudest atring quartet, recently stormed the SXSW festival this past March with a killer set that was much-talked about in the press. These guys have provided string section accompaniment for many pop artists today (I first saw them play with Sam Phillips back in 2005). Their new full-length disc Fuzzbox has just been released.

The Spring Creek Bluegrass Band combines traditional bluegrass music with a solid dose of 21st century optimism - what they call "Rural and Cosmic." Each member of this group doubles as a vocalist, making for an incredible powerhouse of a group. Plus, they made their actual physical CD look like a 45-RPM (looks really cool).

And British expatriate vioinist Ian Peaston rounds off the show in his stage persona elucian. Ian makes original and highly stylized interpetations of popular tunes plus his own original pieces. This piece is an interpretation of Bjork's "Hidden Place," performed live at a music festival in Banff.

I would also like to make mention of the Facebook group for this show - check it out here.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#037 - Freyda and Acoustic AttaTude, Hugh Marsh, Bella Rumore, and Rachel Barton Pine

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Freyda and Acoustic Atta Tude - "Atta Tude in A Minor"
Hugh Marsh - "Violinvocation #1"
Bella Rumore - "25 or 6 to 4"
Rachel Barton Pine - Scottish Fantasies, mvt 4, "Finale"

###

Hi everyone! This show finds me travelling again to Seattle in a farirly constant state of trying to find wireless access. It's getting quite annoying actually.

But that said, here's who's on board for this week:

Freyda & Acoustic AttaTude was a 1993 collaboration between members of the folk/jazz group Trapezoid and guitarist Bob Vasile. Violinist Freyda Epstein was the star of this show. Tragically, Epstein was killed in a killed in a car accident in 2003 by a man fleeing the scene of another crime. This episode is dedicated to her memory and for all she has done for the folk and strings communities.

Hugh Marsh is an artist that I have been trying to get on the show since it first began. He is largely known for his work on Bruce Cockburn's recordigs from the 1980's. He is every inch a consummate electric player - exploring many of the possibilities of the amplifod violin. His solo recordings more often feature his prowess as an arranger and bandleader than as a violinist and his overall best playing is found on other people's records - and his playing is unmistakable. This tune is found on his own recording, 2006's Hugmars.

Bella Rumore is a regular act on the Las Vegas circuit - an all-female string group that performs arrangements of classic rock tunes and greatest hits from the classical and baroque periods. They will be releasing a full-length album of material late this year. This tune is the classic Chicago standard "25 or 6 to 4."

Rounding up this show is Rachel Barton Pine. Her recent release Scottinh Fantasies explores traditional Scottish fiddle tunes that find their way into composed classical pieces. Probably the most famous of these pieces is Max Bruch's Scottish Fantasy, the fourth movement of which is presented here. For this recording, Rachel worked with a traditional fiddler to bring out the the original tune out of these pieces - making this a unique recording.

More music coming next week!

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#036 - Skye Steele Quintet, Band'o, Tarana, and Vanessa Van Spall

Mon, 13 Aug 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Skye Steele Quintet - "Black Is the Color of My True Love's Hair"
Band'o - "Siskot"
Tarana - "Labakashar"
Vanessa Van Spall - "Rapture"

###

Hey! I am happy to report a couple reviews of the show. Bowed Radio got a review in the spring issue of Teen Strings magazine: the first time in glossy print.

The other comes from a new online resource fos string players called Doublestop Magazine. They've just gotten started and it aims to be a great resource. So thanks for the shout out!

So here's what's up for this show:

I had the pleasure of catching a really great group recently at the Cleveland Ingenuity Festival called Nation Beat. I ran up and introduced myself to their violinist, a guy named Skye Steele. Some Nation Beat work will be coming on the show here in the coming months, but I am proud to present some cuts from the latest release of The Skye Steele Quintet, a jazzy world-fusion group that he leads out of NYC.

Band'o is a folk fiddle group from Finland led by sisters Jemina and Selina Sillanpaa. Their work spans from guitar-based vocal tunes to fiddle-based instrumentals. For the purposes of this show obviously I am focusing on their fiddle work, but their work is a delightful mix of sounds that goes far beyonf their fiddle work.

Tarana is the front name for British violinist and improvisor Rob Tarana. His performances utilize looped improvised violin lines with improvised nonsense syllables over the top -- sometimes solo, sometimes with a full band, and sometimes with more gadgets than person. Fiercely prolific artist -- he recently recorded his 77th album live on stage on 07-07-07, which happens to be his birthday. And no, he didn't turn 77 that day. His work is gentle yet nightmarish.

And closing out the show is San Francisco singer songwriter Vanessa van Spall. Her ensemble sound utilizes the work of violist Eric Golub, whose work appeared on Episode 002 of this program. Eric's solo work explores a lot of Asian stylings based on his work in Indonesia and other parts of the world. With Vanessa, he uses his viola in the role usually assigned to a lead guitarist. Great stuff.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#035 - Hollis Taylor and Jon Rose, The Bridies, Tim Kliphuis, and Sharon Crumrine (featuring Betty Widerski)

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Hollis Taylor and Jon Rose - "Abide With Me/Durang's Hornipipe"
The Bridies - "Mam Ean Polkas"
Tim Kliphuis - "Tony's Tune"
Sharon Crumrine (w. Betty Widerski) - "Pericopine"

###

Hello everybody! Here's what's on board for this week:

Hollis Taylor has created a fascinating body of work called Infidel comprised of traditional hoedowns and Texas fiddle tunes. She and collaborator Jon Rose take these traditional pieces and put them in VERY non-traditional environments. A fascinating study!

The Bridies are also in the business of making a new take on traditional music. With traditional Irish fiddle stylings, The Bridies explore blues, bebop, swing, and a host of other styles. Flamboyant and energetic, these ladies are a lot of fun

Tim Kliphaus is a Dutch violinist who explores all manner of jazz. His latest disc Swingin' the Classics finds him and his band taking many famous classical movements and adapting them into swing. The piece featured here is the 2nd movement of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto

Violinist Betty Widerski is a guest artist on this tune by pianist Sharon Crumrine. She is a freelance session player in the Boston area and has played with numerous bands and artists there. She is an accomplished classical violinist who also explores improv, rock, jazz. She's all over.

Thanks for listening - take care everybody!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#034 - Daniel and Amy Carwile, Helen Sherrah Davies, Erik Friedlander, and Michael Drewes

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Daniel and Amy Carwile - "Chief Sitting Bull"
Helen Sherrah-Davies - "Demon Eyes"
Erik Friedlander - "Airstream Envy"
Michael Drewes - "Finale" from String Quartet No.1

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Hello everybody! Here's what's on board for this week:

Daniel and Amy Carwile are an old-time fiddle duo out of Lexington, Kentucky. Their latest disc Col Arco is rich with fine fiddle playing from start to finish. This tune is a traditional Texas old-time tune arranged for two fiddles. Hot little number.

Helen Sherrah-Davies is a violinist and is a professor of music at the elite Berklee Conservatory of Music. She also has a fascinating condition known as synaesthesia -- a condition which causes the person's sensory experiences to... overlap? blend? merge? The synaesthete often reports visual images in response to auditory stimulation. This is a programmatic composition which Helen describes thus: "The sax breathes his breath of fire at the start, and the swirling triplets are his red piercing eyes, he has a limp, but he also wants to dance... "

Erik Friedlander, in many ways the most well-known creative cellist in the U.S., appears on this episode with a world-premiere from his forthcoming disc Ice Block & Propane. He collaborates with rock musicians and some of the most accomplished classical composers in the world today. His work includes classcal, jazz, rock, avant garde work. The guy's incredible.

Michael Drewes was a closet composer for many years with many of his works going unperformed for decades. He recently came across some composition software and brought many of his old compositions to life for the first time. This piece was composed in 1964 and was recorded at a 24 Jan 2006 performance of many of his works at the Jewish Museum of Florida in Miami.

Thanks for listening - take care!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

#033 - The Amigos, Unwoman, Miss Von Trapp, and Stefano Pastor

Mon, 23 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0500

The Amigos - "Letcho Gurgo"
Unwoman - "The Little Mermaid"
Miss Von Trapp - "Scabcurdle Jack"
Stefano Pastor - "Cycles"

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Hello everybody! Here's what's on board for this week:

The Amigos are a super-eclectic band from Wales. They cover everything from eastern Europe to South America -- and everything in between. Their fiddle player Billy Thompson is a wildman of his own accord. On this tune, he builds on that reputation. The man is crazy!

Unwoman is a San Francisco-based cellist of the neo-Victorian goth tradition. She performs in a variety of persona, and does the goth thing very well. this track is a cut from her new disc set for release later this year.

Miss von Trapp is a British cellist of the neo-Vampirian tradition. She is a cellist much like Johnny Ramone was a guitarist. Theatrical, sinister, brooding, vaguely threatening, her work is a real treat.

Stefano Pastor is an Italian jazz violinist whose newest work Cycles an interesting collaboration between poet and musician. What they DON'T do is put the poertry to music. In a fascinating way, the text and the music refer to one another, but must be taken in separately. A dense and challenging piece of work, but rewarding no matter how you cut it.

Thanks for listening everybody - Have a great week!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org

#032 - Manuel Schroeder, Mimi Rabson, Charlie Griffin, Planet Ubiquity

Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Manuel Schroeder - "Flaring Recognition"
Mimi Rabson - "Ska Circus"
Charlie Griffin - Set fire to have light
Planet Ubiquity - "Troubled Mind"

###

Hello! Here's what's on board for this week:

Manuel Schroeder is a 17-year-old cellist out of west-central Germany. As a member of the group Acoustical Romance, he explores a textural, neo-Romantic. With his solo work, he is part of an ever-growing tradition of heavy-metal/alternative rock in the tradition of Apocalyptica and Rasputina. This guy has an incredible ear for feel and texture with an artistic sensibility that is only now beginning to take root. There are more great things in his future.

Mimi Rabson is a Boston-based violinist, aggressively eclectic and a master of every style she touches. This cut is from an independently-released disc called Six Solos for Violin.

Charles Griffin is an expatriate American composer living in Latvia. From Charlie's website: "Using Arabic rhythmic and scalar modes, this piece, inspired by the poetry of Mawlana Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, is filled with rhythmic energy and tension. " This piece is performed by the string members of his own Latvia-based Griffin Ensenble.

Planet Ubiquity is a new group with roots in hiphop, soul, and funk. The connection with this show lies with violist Shayshahn "Phearnone" MacPherson - a veteran of episode 012. Full of groove and rich with soul, this is an exciting group with a lot to offer musically, lyrically, and - in their concert performances - visually.

Thanks for listening - Have a great week!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org

Compilation Episode 1 - Nick Ogawa, Morgantown Rounders, Luminescent Orchestrii , L. Subramaniam (featuring Jiebing Chen). Hosted from a Holiday Inn in Seattle

Mon, 9 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Nick Ogawa - "If it Feels Good"
Morgantown Rounders - "Policeman"
Luminescent Orchestrii - "The Stranger"
L. Subramaniam (feat. Jiebing Chen) - "Blue Lotus"

###

Hey,

This show is being released as I am waiting at the airport to fly back to Cleveland from Seattle where I have been for the past few days at my sister's wedding. So in order to keep my promise of one show a week while not drowning in this whole "trip" thing, I have decided to compile a show featuring some of my favorite pieces from the last two years.

Nick Ogawa was featured on episode 012 ("The Corbin Keep episode" ) with this tune that I still haven't been able to get out of my head to this day.

The Morgantown Rounders were featured on episode 017 ("The Chris Boros episode") . These guys are a favorite of mine and my daughter's - we listen to their disc in the car all the time. This tune wasn't the featured tune on that show, but I sneaked part of this song in as the exit music.

The Luminiscent Orchestrii appeared on episode 001 ("The Lex Coffman episode") . I had the pleasure of playing in a band that opened for these guys when they played in Cleveland back in 2004 -- long before this show was ever thought of. A great band to see live.

And finally, L. Subramaniam - the premier Indian violinist in the world - was featured on episode 009 ("The Acoustic Ross episode"). Entrancing, exquisite, exotic.

... and just for the record -- this past Sunday - 8 Jul - was my birthday. And I didn't receive a card or anything from ANY of you, you miserable wretches! We'll just see if I remember YOUR birthday or not!

More great music next week!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org
email: string@bowed.org
phone: 330-781-4387
skype: mark.allender

#031 - Invert, Kari Tieger, Chris Murphy, and James Sudakow. Hosted from the Doodlebug Memorial

Mon, 2 Jul 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Invert - Truth Serum
Kari Tieger - Sonatine pour violon et piano
Chris Murphy - "Night of the Hunter"
James Sudakow - "Black"

###

Hello everybody,

Invert makes a second appearance on this show - the string quartet with two cellists. In between their last appearance and this one, the group has released a CD called The Strange Parade. This is the final cut from that disc, a tune called Truth Serum.

Kari Tieger, a pianist and composer out of Riverside, Rhode Island, is on for her second appearance as well. This is a recently composed duet with violinist Lauren Benowitz.

Chris Murphy is an electric violinist fron Los Angeles, currently supporting his recent release Luminous. I confess I hadn't heard of Chris before he sent me his CD, but his disc features two musicians I have had a great deal of respect for for some time: Mike Watt (formerly of fIREHOSE and The Minutemen) and Nels Cline (of Wilco and, incidentally, Mike Watt's touring band). This tune features Nels on guitar - and he and Chris sound amazing together.

James Sudakow is an up-an-coming artist out of Long Beach, California. His latest release, Green is an ambitious progressive rock exploration of soud and texture. A very engaging and enjoyable listen.

Next week finds me in Seattle. I'll do my best to have a show out by next Monday. But we'll see.

Thanks for listening!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

Dedication of the Doodlebug Memorial - 31 Jul 05. That's me indicated by the arrow.

#030 - Orange Mighty Trio; Thomas, Storrs, and Sarpolas; Julia Kent; and John Pascuzzi. Hosted from Tannery Park

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Orange Mighty Trio - "Billy in the Lowground"
Thomas, Stors, & Sarpolas - "Clay Hippopotamus"
Julia Kent - "Barajas"
John Pascuzzi - "Ignition"

###

Hello everybody,

This show comes to you from Tannery Park in Kent, Ohio - the site of a tannery built in the 1830s by abolitionist John Brown. This park is on the banks of the Cuyahoga River and adjoins the B&O Railroad (found on your Monopoly board)

Here's who's on this week:

Orange Mighty Trio is a group out of Minneapolis, MN featuring a violinist, a pianist, and a bowed double bassist. Flashy, showy -- these guys create an almost Baroque sensibility to the exploration of jazz and old-time Americana. A new ep is available in both CD an mp3 format on their MySpace site.

Thomas, Storrs, & Sarpolas is a collaboration featuring the work of violinist Rob Thomas, whom I consider one of the finest jazz players in the world today. He has been able to perform some of the most "violin unfriendly" idioms of the many forms of jazz and make it sound easy. His skill as an improvisor is apparent in this free-jazz piece.

Julia Kent is a New York cellist/recording artist whose latest disc is about airports. Called Delay, this disc is currently avilable only in Europe. It is expected to be released in North America lter this fall. Rich with multi-tracked celo and found sounds, this disc is a real treat for people who love the sound of a bow on a string.

John Pascuzzi takes instruments from all over the world (and beyond) and bends them to his will. This track features the igil, a two-stringed fiddle from Tuva. Or in John's case, the electric igil.

More great music coming next week!

Mark Allender, producer-host
www.bowed.org

Tannery Park fishing deck on the Cuyahoga River. B&O Railroad is up the hill.

My stuff in Tannery Park.

#029 - James Kennedy (featuring Catherine Lawson), DBR, Joan Jeanrenaud, and the Supernova String Quartet

Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0500

James Kennedy (featuring Catherine Lawson) - "A Roll of the Dice"
DBR - "The La La Song"
Joan Jeanrenaud - Altar Piece
Supernova String Quartet - "Mr. P.C."

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Hi string fans,

One area that I feel is underrepresented in the field of string music is some good solid blues. Catherine Lawson, a violinist based in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, is here to hopefully fix that problem. She gets it. End of story. She is a frequent collaborator with guitarist James Kennedy.

DBR (aka Daniel Bernard Roumain is one of the hottest new talents out there. As a composer and performer, he is able to create some strong and powerful work, classical in structure with a hip-hop sensibility. Nobody else is making music like this. This is a cut from his forthcoming disc entitled etudes4violin&electronix.

Joan Jeanrenaud is known to many as the cellist for the world-famous Kronos Quartet - a position shw held for over twenty years. Having left Kronos in 1999, she set about developing her own solo work. This cut is an original composition from her 2003 disc, Metamorphosis. Another full-length disc of original material will be coming out later this year (and I'll hopefully have a track on the show from that baby as well!).

Supernova String Quartet was a jazz string quartet out of Los Angeles. The group broke up in late 2005 after their principal violinist Ludvig Girdland was seriously injured after being hit by a drunk driver. The various members have been pursuing other projects and Ludvig has been making a slow recovery in his native Sweden. We wish them the best! This is a strings rendition of the Coltrane classic "Mr. P.C."

More great music coming next week!

Mark Allender, producer-host
web: www.bowed.org

#028 - Zapp String Quartet, D-Sharp, Ben Miller, and Semyon Kobialka

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Hi string fans,

Here's who's on this week:

The Zapp String Quartet is in many ways a string quartet that thinks it's a rock band - these guys only play originals. Based out of Amsterdam, this group is remarkable for the rhythmic complexity they generate with their instruments -- something I for one am particularly fond of in any string ensemble. Their latest disc Passagio is simply rich with this kind of thing.

D-Sharp is a repeat offender on this program - having debuted here on Episode 014. At 19 years old, this guy is developing a keen sense of artistry as both a performer and a composer. Or to rephrase, this tune will kick your ass! I'd love to see this guy play live...

Ben Miller is a guitarist, actually. And not a "guitar-viol" player, either. Ben is in the habit of (literally) putting his guitar on a pedestal, and finessing sounds out of it with whatever he has on hand. For this tune, he uses a violin bow. A challenging listen perhaps, but a rewarding one I feel.

Closing the show is cellist Semyon Kobialka. As I mention in the audio, the bulk of his latest disc is played pizzicato. I was able to nab a tune from the disc that has a substantial arco section, but hear me say this: the entire disc is @&%king amazing. Check it out!

I have been having some considerable trouble getting female performers for the show. I'm not sure why that is (I have this effect on all women, perhaps?). So -- here's me begging... Ladies! Are you a string player or a composer? Please help save this show from always being an All Male Revue! Contact me with submission information at string@bowed.org

Mark Allender, producer-host

#027 - the Violet Quartet, Rasputina, Chance's End, and Slow Six

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to bring this show to you -- a show that features a whopping four world broadcast premieres. If I keep putting babies like this out, I'll be a happy guy!

The Violet Quartet is a group from all over western Germany comprised of four electric violinists. As if that weren't enough, they are four electric-violinist gadget people. Their works are not simply composed for electric violin -- they are composed around the sounds of the styles and sounds favored by the various players - a trend that I would love to see expand in the future of string music. In addition, this group tends not to play on a stage per se, but with each player in the four corners of the room. Thus, the audience is in many ways on stage as oppposed to the performers.

Rasputina is a group that has a wide following - a group without precedent. Two cellos and a drummer making finely crafted, vaguely goth, delicious pop nuggets. Their new disc O Perilous World - set for release later this month - has a louder, more aggressive sound that previous releases. Lyrics get more topical this time around (and in an ironic way, actually more dark and sinister than their previous work). And enjoyable, energetic listen from start to finish.

Chance's End is the work of classically trained Ryan Avery. Under the name Chance's End, Avery explores fine violin playing in an electronica environment. This track is a cut from his forthcoming disc, The Outsider.

Slow Six is a group out of Brooklyn. Somber, yet dense and intricate, these guys make a wholly unique stew of sounds. Instrumentation includes amplified strings, electric guitars, keyboards, homegrown software instruments, and video projections mixed live throughout the space. As I mention in the audio, fans of the group Low may find something special here.

Mark Allender, producer-host

#026 - Stratospheerius, Penn State Viola Ensemble, Richard Brooks, and Acoustical Romance. hosted aboard The Pennsylvanian

Mon, 28 May 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Greetings! And to those in the USA, a Happy Memorial Day!

Stratospheeerius is a group out of New York led by violnist and Joe Deninzon. The self-described bastard child of Frank Zappa, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Dave Matthews, and Blues Traveler; these guys have a brand new disc out called Headspace with which they are touring a substantial portion of the US.

The Penn State Viola Ensemble is, as one might guess, a string ensemble comprised solely of violists -- performing works written specifically for multiple violists. Their offering on this program is a recording of the world-premiere performance of Robert Gardner's View from the Rear Window

Richard Brooks is a fusion jazz violinist in the New York City area who dabbles in the styles of various traditions from around the world, as well as developing his own experimental work. This piece is a "loops" piece developed for solo violin concert performance.

And rounding things off is Acoustical Romance, a young acoustic ensemble from the Frankfurt area featuring the talents of cellist Manuel Schroeder. These guys have just created a beautiful, delicate collection of recordings that sounds mature well beyond their years.

Enjoy the show!!

Mark
string@bowed.org

#025 - Upton Trio, David Kempers, and George Gao. Hosted at the Peninsula Library gazebo

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Hi everybody -- feeling better

The Upton Trio is a group out of South Carolina led by violnist and composer Mary Lee Taylor. Her broad compositional style with this trio is both programmatic and impressionistic. Not too reserved to get dangerous when the occasion arises, yet not too cerebral to enjoy a sweet melody. This tune is from their recent release Transformations.

David Kempers is a Cleveland-based violinist whose latest project Electronic Symphonica explores the violin in a wide variety of styles, from electric violin rock operas to multi-tracked renderings of classical scores. The selection featured on this show is one of the latter - a recording of Saint-Saens' "Dance Macabre." He acheived the effect of a 32-member string orchestra by multi-tracking his violin in various tunings 32 times -- then added the solo line on top.

And finally on the show is George Gao, an erhu player based in Toronto. Gao performs many of the traditional Chinese works on the erhu, but often backs them up with a Western-tinged accompaniment. This piece is a take on the traditional Chinese piece "Crying by the River."

Enjoy the show!!

Mark
string@bowed.org

#024 - Sierra Noble, Stereo Art, Lucio Amanti, and Deadwood Revival

Mon, 14 May 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Hello listeners. I regret to report that I have had a cold all week long. I recorded my bits in moments of lucidity, but just in case... "do not adjust your set."

Sierra Noble is a fiddler from Winnipeg specializing in the traditional music of the Metis people. Her work also extends into traditional North American old-time and country western music. This tune is a take on the 1939 Ervin Rouse and Chubby Wise fiddle tune "Orange Blossom Special" - later covered by artists such as Charlie Daniels and Johnny Cash.

Stereo Art is a group out of London, England featuring cellist Martin Radford and electronics wizrard Tatsuji Mikajiri. Their full-length release entitled 11:11 will be released later this month. A stunning mix of electronica and soul, these guys are a lot of fun.

Lucio Amanti is a cellist based in Berlin. A jazz player, he is in the practice of making smooth multi-tracked recordings with the cello playing every part - from the bass line to the solos to the percussion -- all performed on the cello.

And finally is a tune from Deadwood Revival - a guitar and banjo duo out of Washington state. For this tune, they were joined by fiddler Ellie Holzemer of the group Cross Eyed Rosie. Big fun. Big sound. Good stuff.

Enjoy the show!! -- Mark

#023 - Moripton, the Helix Quartet, Basilica, and Avner Dorman

Mon, 07 May 2007 00:00:01 -0500

Moripton is a violinist out of Osaka, Japan. He has been primarily working as a guitarist with the band Stonehenge. He is currently devloping his violin work - this ia one of his first recorded pieces.

The Helix Quartet is a group out of France. A non-traditional quartet, their instrumentation consists of two violins, tenor violin, and double bass. Their work is wildly eclectic - with elements of Irish, gypsy, jazz, country-werstern, and others

I have been waiting with some considerable anticipation for the release of the debut disc by Basilica. An uncommon mix of death metal, math rock, and chamber music, these guys are relentlessly creative. An unearthly mix of the pious and the profane.

Rounding off the show is composer Avner Dorman - Israeli by birth and currently a resident of New York. His work is seemless, using non-traditional instrumentation with great invention of melody. Or to rephrase, his work doesn't sound nearly as strange as you might expect. The recording featured on this program is the world premiere, recorded late last year. The US premiere will take place on May 24 at the Angel Orensanz Center for the Arts, 172 Norfolk Street in the lower east side of New York. Featured mandolin soloist will be Avi Avital.

#022 - Mark Feldman, The Evil Twin, Cyndee Lee Rule, and the Virus String Quartet

Mon, 30 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0500

This is the first episode in a new format, short episodes released on a consistant (weekly, that is) basis. For this breakout format, we have four HOT acts. My prediction: you'll be listening to this one over and over.

Mark Feldman is one of my favorite players out there. He has recently released a disc called What Exit - his first disc of jazz performances where he is the bandleader. Jazz aficianados often complain of violin jazz that it suffers from baroque excesses. Feldman's disc is a refreshing departure in this regard for its sense of restraint, having a profound sense of space and an artistry of tone. Violin jazz for people that love jazz.

The Evil Twin shows in many ways the opposite of restraint; choosing instead to kick your ass with an aggressive sound and killer grooves. Fung Chern Hwei on violin and Jeremy Harman on cello.

Out of Philadelphia comes prog rocker Cyndee Lee Rule. Her work brings the feel and complexity of space rock into the 21st century. Wild, loud, intelligent, fun. And dare I say, futuristic.

And closing out the show is the Virus String Quartet - an electric string group out of Barcelona (and one of my favorite string groups). They combine jazz, flamenco, and swagger to create a truly original sound. And if ever they need a bass player, I'd love to get the job.

I would welcome your comments on this -- does this work better? Let me know.

Enjoy the music!!

Mark
string@bowed.org

#021 - hosted by violinist Billie Howard

Sun, 22 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -5000

Bowed Radio - Episode 21. This episode features exciting new work by Vio7, Black Violin, 2 Guitar Viols, Megan B. Lynch, Rhys Marsh, Scorzo Greenfield Resto, and Sundqvist. Hosted by Billie Howard of the Chicago band Beard. If you have work that you would like to submit for Bowed Radio, drop me an email at string@bowed.org. Thanks for listening!

This show is in many ways the show I have been trying to put together since day one. Every tune has a gorgeous string sound front and center, and a majority of the tunes here are unreleased tracks. Don't get me wrong, I am pleased with all of the shows I have put out, but this one is the closest to my original intent. Enjoy!

Hosting this show is violinist Billie Howard of the band Beard - a wonderful indie trio based out Chicago that was featured on the last episode.

Mark
string@bowed.org
www.bowed.org