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Saturday, September 22, 2012

Women in experimental music: @ spectrum

On this SP cover, Jeanann Dara,
photo & layout by K.K.W
Ambient nights @ Spectrum: Ivy Meadows, Nud, Jeanann Dara & Maria Chavez. Photos & text by K.K.W

It was an interesting night full of promise, great sounds and talent. The first performance was by Camilla of "Ivy Meadows" which had a feel of low-key mellow tones that first, gracefully lapped against the walls like a post contemporary  ritualistic lullaby. Her set seemed to be radiating waves enunciated by passion, tinged with somber notes leaking to the surface. Hers was a set, but perhaps a bit to mellow, I wished it had more force and syncopation. 
Jeanann Dara & her mother (left corner) speaking with
Maria Chavez.
When "Nud" (Camilla & Kate) did their thing it was powerful & sensual. If bright was the day, dark was that night when they did that voodoo they do so well. Stellar thumping beats, with  smooth wailing banshee-like vocals. Brows, pluses, and heartbeats alike were raised. This amazing dynamic duo put forth a barrage of electronic sounds that melded with the alternating colored lights, that left the crowd in a tizzy. Many were pleased, teased and tenderized, while some wondered what the hell was that (most appropriate:). Theirs was a chant-like ritualistic dynamic-dualism that shakes you and wakes you up. 
Another glowing night @ Spectrum.
Digitally enhanced viola waves crashed through all doubt and subtle boredom that night as Jeanann took the stage, a steady look of power, clam and concentration to her face. Her was an engaging, rhythmic set that quickly took the audience by storm. Jeanann's set started like a trickle of water moving through the space of many small rocks, then began to shift gears and pace, amplified its tempo. The well balanced hypnotic flow emanating from her instrument permeated your senses, arousing your need for more. When she took the mic and added her gentle voice, it all became a trance, and you were sated.

Minimalism was the first thing that came to mind with Maria Chavez' performance. Strange sounds that seemed more exploratory then anything else. Hers was a very slow accent to the main body of the piece, a length of cantonese (or another asia dialect) on a loop was both interesting and a little creepy - "strange overtones" (as the David Byrne/Brian Eno song goes). She stood watch over the console attempting to control the audiences mind-set, but never quite getting it. The set went on with repetitious distorted vocals that confounded the senses and either drew you in, or made you highly indifferent. While there was something lovely in it, I wished there was more harmony in the sounds, and  cohesion.     
Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"

Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"
Camilla of "Ivy Meadows"

"Nud", doing their awesome, crazy thing.

"Nud" (Camilla on the left, Kate on the right), 
doing their awesome, crazy thing.

"Nud" (Camilla on the left, Kate on the right)
doing their awesome, crazy thing.
"Nud" (Kate), doing their awesome, crazy thing.
Jeanann Dara, total calm & skills

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara

Jeanann Dara
Jeanann Dara

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez
Maria Chavez

Maria Chavez
If you would like to know more, go to:www.mariachavez.org, or:www.camillaha.comwww.smokeandflowers.bandcamp.com/www.ivymeadows.net. "Art is the reason, art is the way". Canon T3i 18.0MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens - Digital (Google Affiliate Ad)Nikon Coolpix P510 16.1MP Digital Camera with 42x Optical Zoom - (Google Affiliate Ad)The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck - Books (Google Affiliate Ad)"100 Sight Word Mini-books" (Google Affiliate Ad)

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