MELDS, by Nodes

MELDS

by Nodes

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Full Digital Discography

16

releases

Get all 16 Koshkil Records releases available on Bandcamp and save 30%.

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of CON PLOMO Vol. Verde, DE AQUÍ, MELDS, DOGO, ANAGRAMA (AKR), 1995 EL SUBSUELO (AKR), SOUND BEAMS, A PLACE IN TIME, and 8 more. , and , .

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1.	MELDS Part I - Aliens and Ancestors 03:22	buy track
2.	Pyramids 01:14	buy track
3.	Easter Island 03:59	buy track
4.	Stonehenge 02:27	buy track
5.	Amphibian Humanoid 01:01	buy track
6.	Does that mean?! 04:43	buy track
7.	Conscious and Quantum Fields 02:32	buy track
8.	ESP Zone 02:22	buy track
9.	Entangled Minds 02:16	buy track
10.	Telekinesis 02:00	buy track
11.	What does that mean? 03:31	buy track
12.	MELDS Part II - Entropy and Eternity 02:48	buy track
13.	Sandcastles for Posterity 01:21	buy track
14.	Osmosis Wave 05:16	buy track
15.	Black Hole Ejection Seat 02:14	buy track
16.	What to do now? 02:35	buy track
17.	Superman and Supervenience 04:16	buy track
18.	Physical Facts 02:01	buy track
19.	Dualist Destiny 03:35	buy track
20.	Phenomenal Facts 01:40	buy track
21.	When to Become? 03:22	buy track
22.	She Storm 15:12	buy track

about

MELDS is the second release by NODES, a collective ensemble that combines a traditional “tenor-trio” with live electronics. This album is about distinctive, deep combinations and their interplay over short and long timescales. The acoustic members of the group expand their standard sonic palette with audio effects and auxiliary percussion. A custom live electronics setup adds a new dimension via live synthesis, audio effects applied to members of the trio, and live recording and playback with manipulation of musical material created by the acoustic instruments. This layer combines with the trio to create unique textures and otherworldly sonic imprints that, in turn, cause the other members of the ensemble to react and play in new ways.

This release is an evolution from our first recording Incubated Dilemma Machine. There is more thematic development, and an increased level of trust and listening. The electronics seamlessly integrate and blend with the musicians. Spontaneity and surprise are two things that we really value in music. This band and its material presents surprises at every turn, while creating satisfying structure and arrival points in a free improv context.

The first 21 tracks are grouped into three larger forms, each group terminating with question. Each group includes tracks that reflect exactly what happened in the studio. Between many of those tracks there are post-produced tracks that recontextualize and combine material from the surrounding tracks to create transitions and relationships between material and to give each group an identity. In the studio we recorded one or more tracks with every possible duo and trio, in addition to numerous tracks with the full quartet. We then listened, grouped, and tried to create an album that would present a story and demonstrate the ways in which these performing forces can meld in real-time and out-of-time.

The album terminates with our interpretation of Lisa Renée Coons’ beautiful graphical score, She/Storm. Coons’ collaborated with us on how to interpret the text, insects, medical imagery, and black out poetry, which is recited by John Hébert. This project represented a new venture for us and her evocative imagery elicited some remarkable performances from the musicians, one version of which is captured on this record and provides a beautiful termination that follows the many ellipses.

Andrew Rathbun
Chrsitopher Biggs

credits

released January 27, 2024

NODES
Andrew Rathbun – saxophone
www.andrewrathbun.com
John Hébert – bass and voice
www.johnhebert.com
Keith Hall – drums
www.keithhallmusic.com
Christopher Biggs – live electronics
christopherbiggsmusic.com

Recorded January 17, 2022 at La Luna Recording
Engineered by Ian Gorman
Mixed and Mastered by Christopher Biggs
Produced by Nodes and Koshkil Records
Cover art and designed by Christopher Biggs

Andrew Rathbun uses D’Addario reeds and products.
Keith Hall plays Remo Drumheads, Yamaha Drums, Vic Firth Drumsticks, Zildjian Cymbals, and Big Fat Snare Drum products.

She Storm by Lisa Renée Coons, ASCAP
All other compositions by NODES.

Support provided by the Kalamazoo Artistic Development Initiative, a program of the Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo.

license

about

Koshkil Records Madrid, Spain

KOSHKIL RECORDS is an independent label based in Madrid. It is specialized in original composed and improvised music, from traditional folk music to free jazz, chamber, experimental and contemporary music.