Kansas City New Music | Black House Improvisors' Collective

"I'm just a trumpet player with bad taste."

Clint casts his judging eye upon the 8th incarnation of Black House

This Sunday was the much anticipated critique of our "A Train" arrangements by Clint Ashlock and it was easily the most productive rehearsal we've ever had. My fears that Clint might be uncomfortable criticizing the work of his fellow musicians proved to be unfounded. Clint was a consumate professional and wasn't afraid to ask the hard questions like: "Why'd you do that?" and "What were you thinking there?" I think everyone left inspired to write better music. I'd like to thank Clint for being so generous with his time.

Clint being insightful

 

For a fun comparison in taste, here are each of the "Take the A Train" arrangements:

Brad's A Train-Final-Brad Baumgardner

Chris's A Train-Final-Chris Robinson

Hunter's A Train-Final-Hunter Long

Spring Training-Russell-Russell Thorpe

Stan's A Train-Final-Stanton Kessler

Clint wasn't the only visitor Sunday as Matt Otto brought in a piece for this session. Unfortunately a scheduling conflict has kept Matt from participating in the group itself but it's always great to get to play his music. Charlotte Street has awarded Matt with rehearsal space at City Center Square so he is now fellow artist resident, so congratulations Matt!

 

Matt Otto and Rusell Thorpe

  

Next up we have our bye week for the July 4th holiday and we'll be back at it on July 10th. Now our focus is competely on the original material for the August 19th performance at La Esquina.  

the healing power of music

Nick Howell, Tommy Johnson, Stanton Kessler, John Chittum

Our second rehearsal begat the long anticipated return of Stan Kessler into the clutches of Black House. Being highly in demand, Stan's schedule is often tricky and it's always a joy when the stars allign and he can do a session. Oddly enough, he seems to always have to miss the very first rehearsal prompting us all to hypothesize as to why. Personally, I think it's his way of putting us in our place and asserting his status as an elder stateman. Side note: Stan seriously hates being called an elder statesman. Stan was dealing with some head conjestion which was promptly soothed by the medicinal properties of Black House rehearsal.

 

True to form, Stan came correct with a fantastic (and hand written) arrangement of "Take the A Train" that got rehearsal off to a great start.  Russell brought in his creative "A Train" that was largely based on Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring," and Brad Baumgardner finally made good on his promise to write something original for the group. Next week we'll be making our final preparations for the Clint Ashlock's critique on the 26th.

public transit as impetus for artistic develoment

Old pictures always look epic.

The summer composers' workshop is now officially underway with our first rehearsal this past Sunday. We're trying something a bit different this session by inviting participants to do an arranging exercise. We're doing short arrangments of Strayhorn's "Take the A Train." The point being to get a feel for arranging for the group as a warm up for the original tunes that we will ultimately perform in August. The biggest obstacle in writing for BHIC is always the nontraditional instrumentation and it can be intimidating to write for a group with an instrumentation you've never seen or even heard of anyone using. The fun of having everyone do the same tune is that creates a very clear comparison of taste, personality and artistic perspective. Clint Ashlock has generously donated his time and will be coming to rehearsal later this month to give everyone critiques on their arrangements. Then we will get off the A Train and focus entirely on working up the original music for the performance. 

 

Unfortunately, I failed to remember to take pictures until everyone was packing up after rehearsal but I will be continue to document this session as it unfolds.