Bernhard Günter and Gary Smith both consider improvisation a form of instant composing and are interested in creating valid musical structures in the present moment. They usually start by free instrumental improvising, the digital tools can, but don't have to be used – this decision, too, is subject to improvisation. Bernhard has coined the term 'compovisation' for this approach.
While Gary generally uses a rather straightforward technical set up ( his guitar, a volume pedal, and an amplifier ), Bernhard has conceived and handles Klangstaub's 'Ground Control', built around a mixing board, two Loop Stations, and a digital multi effects unit wired in a rather intricate way ( and making it look quite a bit like a hedgehog ). This set-up makes it possible to mix the duo's playing live, sample one or both players to the loop boxes, and re-introduce parts of their improvisations into larger structures also created on the spot – the technical equipment thus becomes one of the instruments. Gary, who is also known as 'Gary Smith, stereo guitarist', is playing mono for the time being, although subject to stereo looping.
The results can vary from straightforward improvised instrumental playing
to complex digital soundscapes, and anything in between and beyond. The possibilities of this approach are enormous, and still being gradually discovered by the musicians - there is still a great amount of territory to explore and many a piece of exiting music to create...
The combination of Gary's extremely subtle, intricate and personal
approach to playing the electric guitar, and Bernhard's 'no taboos' approach
to playing instruments that integrates the use of diverse digital tools, brings
forth a sort of music that is contemporary in the most positive sense, highly original, and open to constant development.
Klangstaub have played their first concert at the no.signal@ Wire 25 festival AvantJazz on 17 November 2007 at The Bush Hall in London.
Please also visit:
Klangstaub on last.fm
trente oiseaux
klangstaub musik
Michael Vorfeld
Paul Garcia
