part 2 of a 2 part show of improvised music tonight at the sound lounge
artery had presented a fine set of violin and double based music
at least 2 of the members then seated front of house for this performance
anticipation running high after observing before set preparations
watching carl dewhurst meticulously tuning up 3 different electric guitars
his musical partner simon barker also fine-tuning his unusual drum kit
by the time they were on-stage and playing most of the audience were unaware
carl dewhurst seated with a guitar laid across his legs and lightly playing it
concentrating on pulling out a high-pitched, repetitive and constant single note
simon barker adding the lightest of percussive noises to the sound
a few shish noises from the audience directed at other audience members
and then a total focus by all on what was coming from the stage before us
the guitar sound slowly building in pace, volume and intensity
the drum-kit and accessories looking and sounding like part of a gamelan orchestra
with a sound not far removed from some kind of asian based trance
also easy to imagine the ocassional bass drum as some kind of war drum
this was soon displaced as things got more intense in the percussion department
various traditional looking hand-held drums laid and played concurrently
one being dragged across a snare drum to provide static sounds
the combined effect of all the sounds now throb-like
invoking an image of an approaching submarine or the like
and it just kept getting more and more intense for all
both musicians seemingly in a trance-like state oblivious to others
a full 30 minutes or so of this and we were all feeling the effects
i kept looking at each musician wondering how they would break out
they ocassionally looking at each other but not at the same time
until finally eye contact was made, a nod exchanged and pulldown commenced
winding the sound back to a complete fadeout of both sets of instruments
a moment of 2 of complete silence as the audience awaited confirmation
then a spontateous eruption of applause for an exceptional performance
a swapping of guitar for carl dewhurst to a beautiful red jazz electric
though this one held and played in the traditional manner
at least to start with as he used it to get some sounds happening
and then throughout this tune again warping the sound to the max
his left foot seen dancing across various effects peddles
his right foot squeezing down on a wah-wah to produce that distinctive sound
simon barker free to play his drumkit totally indulgently
dragging sticks across cymbals, otherwise tapping and bashing
eyes closed, soaking up the intensity of their unique sound
this tune also built to a very loud climactic ending
carl dewhurst's guitar held aloft providing a scream of feedback
before again being wound down to a gentle and effective outro
and yet again a round of loud and deserved applause
including the members of the previous band
i gave thanks to carl dewhurst on my way out
he genuinely it seemed replied it was a pleasure
so that made for a good night for all involved i suspect
