Improv:21 presents
Henry Kaiser: Improvisation at the End of the World
Rova:Arts is pleased to present the third season of Improv:21, a series of "informances" on twenty-first century music that explore the connection between predetermined structure (composition) and performer interpretation (improvisation). Led by master improvisers and composers from the Bay Area and beyond, and hosted by critic and KPFA radio host Derk Richardson, Improv:21 programs look at the many ways of organizing improvisation through a shifting (i.e. "improvised") combination of onstage lecture and dialogue, musical demonstration and performance, and audience question-and-answer forum.
Henry Kaiser: Improvisation at the end of the world
Kaiser discusses his eclectic musical life with Derk Richardson and audience members. Most specifically the evening will focus on Kaiser's current collaboration with Werner Herzog, filming a documentary in Antarctica. Henry's filmic collaborations with Werner Herzog have included the soundtrack for Grizzly Man, cinematography on The Wild Blue Yonder, and he is currently the producer of Herzog's Encounters at the End of the World, which will see theatrical release at the end of 2007. The film was shot entirely in Antarctica; Kaiser also created the score for the film along with his friend David Lindley. Henry will discuss and give a live demonstration of improvised film scoring, assisted by Danielle DeGruttola - cello. Widely recognized as one of the most creative and innovative guitarists, composers, improvisers, and producers in the fields of rock, jazz and contemporary experimental music, California-based musician
Henry Kaiser is one of the most extensively recorded as well, having appeared on more than 225 different albums. Evidence of his exceptional musical breadth and versatility can be found in a few of the extraordinary artists with whom he has recorded and/or performed: Herbie Hancock, Zakir Hussain, Richard Thompson, Bill Laswell, Steve Lacy, Fred Frith, Barbara Higbie, John Abercrombie, Anthony Braxton, Michael Stipe, Terry Riley, Jim O'Rourke, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Sergei Kuriokhin, Diamanda Galas, Sonny Sharrock, John Zorn, David Torn, Bill Frisell, Eugene Chadbourne, Evan Parker, Derek Bailey, Jerry Garcia, Miya Masaoka, and Cecil Taylor.
Reasonably priced and easily accessible, these 90 minute to two-hour events are designed to inform, inspire, challenge, and enlighten a wide-ranging audience, from professional and amateur musicians to listeners of all backgrounds and levels of experience. All these informances are also being documented on video for future availability to students and fans alike.
Cost: $10