Lorne Cheeseman 10/5/18 Lorne Cheeseman 10/5/18

On the Playlist 5OCT2018…

Chris Iguanti - Vox Terra

Since I was listening to Clarinet music pulled out Vox Terra by another Vancouver based clarinetist Chris Inguinati. I don't know this artist very well as he came up in the Vancouver scene after I left. It is interesting that Vancouver is a good place for clarinetists and this relates to the fact that one of the worlds best custom clarinet makers is based in Vancouver. Backun is one of the premier brands of high-end clarinets and they are based in Vancouver. Back to the music... this album contains pieces that are inspired by many different musical styles and while the clarinet is front and center there are accompanying instruments. This music while not mainstream is bit more accessible that a lot of improvisational new music that I usually listen to.

Lorne Cheeseman 10/4/18 Lorne Cheeseman 10/4/18

On the Playlist 4OCT2018…

Francois Houle - Letting the Blue Note Settle - “Rubber Time”

Listened to "Letting the Blue Note Settle" by Francois Houle and my favorite track from this album Rubber Time. I studies with Francois Houle when I was in Graduate School. He is a brilliant clarinetist who came up through classical training and then discovered jazz and improvisational music. As something to keep me focussed when I was in graduate school I picked up my clarinet playing again after stopping in high school. Francois was great because not only was he consumate in his technique he encourage me to explore and improvise on the instrument. I remember a session where all we did was play percussive rhythms using the keys of our clarinets for the whole hour. This class actually was the genesis of this tune Rubber Time that he released while I was his student. I still keep in touch with Francois and make a point of going to his gigs when I am in Vancouver. Last time I was there I even took the kids to a gig that was fully improvisational music with a violin, cello and clarinet. Despite it being quite out there the kids seemed to actually get it a bit. Anyway, you likely won't find this tune on spotify but if you ask me I am happy to share it.