The Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra have been expanding and developing their music for over three years through varied collaborations and projects. Throughout this period of growth the abiding concern of the band has been to explore improvisation in a large group context. This can take many forms and GIO is committed to exploring all possibilities including, for example, graphic scores, conduction techniques, conventional and non-conventional notation etc.
One area of particular focus is completely free large ensemble improvisations. There is significant debate within the improvisation community as to whether large ensembles can effectively play improvised music that is completely free i.e. has no preconceived structure or plan or conductor/leader. Indeed, many of the visiting musicians that the band worked with over the years have suggested that completely free improvisation in a band of more than nine members is futile. GIO continues to argue through performance and collaboration that this is not the case.
Collaborations to date:
Evan Parker inaugural workshop - Oct 2002
Workshop with George Lewis - May 2003
Workshop and gig with Walter Prati - 2003
Concerts in Munich with Evan Parker and ICI Ensemble - Sept 2003
Glasgow Jazz Festival with Keith Rowe - July 2004
Week long project with Maggie Nicols - Oct 2004
Workshop with Gunter Sommer - March 2005
Glasgow Jazz Festival with Fred Frith - July 2005
Workshops and gigs with Gunter Sommer, Dresden Ensemble and Maggie Nicols - Sept 2005
Performance of Witch Gong Game II/10 with Barry Guy and Maya Homburger - Oct 2005
Forthcoming Tour to Dresden Oct 2006
Recordings:
Which Way Did He Go Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra with Maggie Nicols FMR Records
Munich/Glasgow Glasgow Improvisers Orchestra with Evan Parker FMR RecordsMail order CDs: Boa Melody Bar
