The Concept
The Symbiosis project is an interactive, symbiotic, group improvisation collection of various pieces from sessions dating from 1990 to the present. The goal of the music is to explore each other's musical vocabulary in an alternative way other then playing jazz compositions, where there is a preset form and style already built in. This music has no musical planning of any kind although we often experiment with techniques to vary the process to avoid habitual tendencies. The resultant is we find ourselves on an unknown journey in strange new worlds. Sort of like Star Trek, but actually living it.
The Process
Starting about midnight, we set up our equipment for about an hour, relax, then role the tape. No one has to start right away, so we sort of meditate (wasting tape) until someone does something.
It could be anything from one note, a bass figure, a noise, a chord, etc. The piece has begun! The person who first plays obviously has a concept so we don't rush to come in. That's the first rule; don't play for the sake of playing. Soon there is a character defined and that is where the journey begins. That's when there IS a right and a wrong thing to play. So I guess at this point, I have to define what "free" improvisation is by our terms. There is no random here. Only communication, requiring the utmost sensitivity. The price of exploring a new world in a spontaneous fashion can be scary and sometimes disorienting. The more sensitive we are the greater the pleasure thus; the greater the pain if something doesn't go as expected. It's a worthwhile trade off. Yes, there are some rough edges. This is not pre-composed music. This is simultaneous adventure taking within parameters defined by the music itself, deep in the present. The people I choose to make this music with are among the finest and most sensitive jazz musicians anywhere. There is no show boating, selfishness, or inflated egos. The music always comes first, not the personnel. Unlike some other free improvisational mind sets, Symbiosis is just that — feeding off each other's musical thoughts and feelings.
The Music
I will attempt to talk about the music here. Since everyone's connection with music is a personal one, I will talk in general terms here. The musical goal of Symbiosis is to spontaneously create coherent music with theme, evolution, and development. The themes come easy since any valid musical idea can be thematic. The more challenging aspect is improvisational evolution and development. There is a fine line between passive and aggressive. For the music to evolve without forcing the issue requires an observational mind set rather than a controlling one, but if everyone merely observed without taking control, the music would surely stagnate. There is a delicate balance between the two and patience is necessary. The control (or "lead") gets passed around on it's own without visual or verbal contact. Sometimes, depending on the piece, there are times when several can take control. Achieving this balance allows the music to evolve and develop naturally; sections will form, dynamics will surface, modulations will happen, eventually, endings will take place.
From a listener's perspective, what's in it for the listener? Are we, the players, having all the fun? As a listener, I have always enjoyed the moods, the unexpected, and the feelings from wordless music. I also love the sounds themselves; a string section, percussion, woodwinds, brass, (of course) guitars, and last but not least, synthesizers. A common mistake some people make is to compare a synth to a real instrument only to be disappointed. Although fascinating, mimicking a real instrument is only scratching the surface. A synth can create virtually any sound on earth and beyond. It is limitless. Again, although a synth can mimic nature's sounds, the best has yet to come. Imagine a bassoon or french horn going well out of range to play impossible notes or never running out of air. Imagine how a waterfall would sound mixed with a flute all in the same sound. Imagine hearing a beautiful sound that is from an instrument that we have yet to create. All that said, here are some listening tips to maximize your enjoyment of Symbiosis
1) Lights out or eyes closed, let the music take you on a journey into your mind with imagery.
2) Candle light played softly, a romantic setting.
3) Try to listen to how the musicians are interacting with one another. It's often impossible to tell who is playing what.
4) Watch a visual video (or DVD) like, computer generated graphics, or landscape scenery and watch how your own mind fits the music of Symbiosis to whatever you are looking at. This is truly amazing how you will think (most of the time) the music was written for the visuals.
5) plug in your mike and get ready for some real kareoke!
The Instruments
Using synthesizers in conjunction with traditional instruments not only expands our musical textural pallets, but completely removes us from any type of role playing that traditional instruments confine us. Thus, a guitarist could not only think in strict rhythmic terms, but actually produce drum, percussion, or even timpani sounds, a vibraphonist play a string section, etc.
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