Brooklyn Botanical Garden - 990 Washington Avenue 40.66868 N, 73.96454 W
the rhythm in the birds came about from two moments: while on tour and after discussing the parameters of this commission, a band member suggested that I look for the ‘silence in the birds’
following that conversation, I went and sat outside to observe and listen to birds every so often. what struck me in the midst of that silence were the rhythms being communicated and the way that they were being expressed.
each individual bird had its own personal rhythm, personal melody, and personal flight path. yet there were always constantly at least two or three birds, generally in the same vicinity, seemingly working together for the same goal.
their flights, rhythms, and songs weren’t always accurately expressed altogether or in unison; but when brought together, they created beautifully layered textures that moved and flowed together.
Inspired by the Flightless Cormorants. These birds are an endemic species to the Galapagos Island, and just like their name implies, they cannot fly. Because of this they are confined to the shoreline they inhabit. Although these birds have lost their ability to fly, they are impressive swimmers, and important underwater predators. Flightless is a musical ‘slice of Flightless Cormorant life’ piece. Each performer represents ad individual bird. How much time do these birds spend on land vs. water? How many dives do these birds take? How will these birds interact when their paths cross?
Multi-instrumentalist and composer, Oscar lives in Brooklyn since 1992.
He has worked with Lee Konitz, Anthony Braxton, Gerry Hemingway, Dewey Redman and Paul Motion.
He is currently performing with Tim Berne’s Snakeoil, Endangered Blood (Chris Speed, Jim Black, Trevor Dunn) and colead with Jacob Garchik, the Mexico-inspired Banda De Los Muertos. He plays alto saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet and drums.
Nathaniel Morgan is an alto saxophonist and composer living in Brooklyn. Nathaniel collaborates in and/or leads many projects including Buckminster/DARKMINSTER, Shy Bully, Ancient Enemies, Skellettes, Motel, Vessel, Folklords, Chopper, and The Hero of Warchester. Many of these recordings appear on PromNightRecords.
