West Oakland Sound Series
2201 Poplar Street Dresher Ensemble Studio Oakland
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James Fei + Laetitia Sonami
HADLEY MCCARROLL + TOM DAMBLY + SFSOUND (Cardew & Lewis)


James Fei and Laetitia Sonami started their improvisational collaboration in 2013. While the materials and techniques used by the two musicians differ significantly, both employ tactile interface coupled with electronic systems that exhibit complex behaviors. Sonami performs with her most recent instrument, the Spring Spyre. Constructed around a web of springs whose signals are analyzed through neural networks which in turn control the audio synthesis in real time, the Spring Spyre can exhibit a wide range of sonic behaviors depending on its training terrains. Fei's setup consists of analog circuits driven by multiple feedback loops, often on the brink of instability. Signals are recursively routed through microphones, spring reverb, and converted between audio and control voltages. Circuit elements are also modified by touch, integrating the non-linearities and the immediacy of the body with the electronic processes.


HADLEY MCCARROLL peforms Nordic piano works: KAIJO SAARIAHO'S Prelude (2007) and ANNA THORVALDSDÓTTIR'S Scape (2011). TOM DAMBLY presents his La trompette concrète (2015/24) for trumpet and electronics, then joins sfSoundGroup members Lisa Mezzacappa (bass), John Ingle (saxophone), and Matt Ingalls (clarinet) in performances of improvisational compositions CORNELIUS CARDEW'S Autumn 60 (1960) and GEORGE E LEWIS'S Players (1977, Rev 1993).

Cost: $10-$25 sliding scale

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